Immutable X (IMX) is a layer 2 blockchain launched in 2021 by Immutable, an Australian blockchain gaming company. It was designed to solve Ethereum’s limitations, such as high gas fees and scalability issues, while maintaining the security and decentralization of Ethereum. Immutable X is specifically tailored for applications requiring seamless NFT creation and trading, like gaming and digital collectibles. It facilitates high-speed NFT minting and trading with zero gas fees, supports scalable and carbon-neutral infrastructure for blockchain-supported games.
1. How Immutable X Works
Immutable X operates as a Layer 2 (L2) scaling solution for Ethereum, built using StarkWare’s ZK-rollup technology. Here’s how it functions:
- ZK-Rollups: Immutable X aggregates hundreds or thousands of transactions off-chain, processes them, and generates a cryptographic proof (a “zero-knowledge proof”) to validate these transactions on Ethereum.
- This drastically reduces the computational load on Ethereum, minimizing gas fees.
- The proofs ensure transactions are secure and verifiable without revealing sensitive details.
- Carbon Neutral: The network offsets any carbon emissions from its operations, making it a sustainable choice for developers.
- Instant Finality: Immutable X provides near-instant transaction confirmation, which is crucial for gaming and trading NFTs.
2. Uses in Web3-Supported Games
Immutable X has become a favorite for Web3 games, offering scalability, affordability, and developer tools specifically designed for gaming use cases. Its focus on NFTs makes it ideal for games with tokenized assets and economies. Use cases include:
- NFT-Based Economies: Games on Immutable X leverage NFTs for player-owned assets like characters, weapons, skins, and land.
- Gas-Free Trading: Players can buy, sell, and trade in-game NFTs without worrying about high gas fees, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
- Interoperability: Since it’s built on Ethereum, assets on Immutable X can be easily transferred to other Ethereum-based platforms.
- Scalability for Microtransactions: The platform’s infrastructure supports frequent, low-cost in-game transactions like upgrades or resource purchases.
3. Token Standards on Immutable X
Immutable X supports Ethereum-compatible tokens, focusing primarily on NFTs:
- ERC-721: The standard for non-fungible tokens, used for unique in-game items, collectibles, and art.
- ERC-20: The fungible token standard, often used for in-game currencies or governance tokens.
The platform is fully compatible with Ethereum’s standards, allowing seamless migration of assets between Immutable X and Ethereum’s mainnet.
IMX Token:
The native token of Immutable X, IMX, is used for governance, staking, and paying protocol fees, further enhancing the ecosystem’s utility.
4. Popular Web3 Games on Immutable X
- Gods Unchained: A trading card game where players own and trade cards as NFTs.
- Illuvium: An open-world RPG with NFT creatures to capture and trade.
- Guild of Guardians: A mobile RPG where players own in-game assets and earn rewards.
