Immutable, a leading force in blockchain gaming, has unveiled its highly anticipated Immutable zkEVM Mainnet in early access, marking a significant leap forward for the industry. This new Ethereum Layer 2 network, powered by Polygon’s zk-rollup technology, promises to revolutionize the way games are built and played by offering unparalleled scalability, security, and – for players – a gas-free experience.
Last year, Polygon Labs and Immutable joined forces to develop a dedicated gaming blockchain using zero-knowledge technology. The result of their collaboration is the new platform called Immutable zkEVM, which is an EVM-compatible ZK-rollup powered by Polygon technology.
Immutable zkEVM is the first dedicated blockchain platform specifically designed for the needs of game developers and players. Unlike general-purpose chains, it prioritizes fast transaction speeds, low fees, and a user-friendly interface. This eliminates the friction points that often deter players from entering the world of blockchain gaming.
Robbie Ferguson, President and Co-Founder of Immutable said,
This is a chain built exclusively for gamers and gaming studios. Every aspect of Immutable zkEVM has been meticulously crafted to provide the best possible experience for players and developers alike.
While currently in early access, the Immutable zkEVM Mainnet is already attracting a star-studded lineup of games, including Guild of Guardians, Metalcore, Shardbound, Treeverse, Cool Cats, BADMAD Robots, Space Nation, Eyeball Games, Imaginary Ones and more. These early adopters will be among the first to leverage the platform’s advantages and build the next generation of blockchain-powered gaming experiences.
For the broader gaming community, the wait won’t be long. Immutable plans to gradually open up access to the Mainnet throughout 2024, starting with a select group of developers and eventually welcoming everyone.
One of the most exciting features of Immutable zkEVM is its gas-free functionality for players using the Immutable Passport. This eliminates the need for players to hold cryptocurrency for transaction fees, effectively removing a major barrier to entry for newcomers.
Michael Powell, Head of Product Marketing at Immutable cited,
Gas fees have long been a pain point for gamers in the blockchain space. By offering gas-free gameplay, we’re making it easier than ever for players to experience the benefits of blockchain gaming without the technical hurdles.
Immutable zkEVM is not just about speed and low fees. It also boasts a robust ecosystem of tools and services specifically designed for game developers. This includes pre-built smart contract templates, streamlined onboarding processes, and access to a thriving community of developers and players.
Furthermore, Polygon Labs has previously proposed an upgrade to the Polygon PoS, which would transform it into a zkEVM validium – the first decentralized Layer 2 network to be secured by zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. The upgrade is expected to be implemented on the mainnet by the end of Q1 2024, subject to community consensus.
