Immutable X is a Layer 2 scaling solution built on Ethereum, with the core objective of providing an efficient, low-cost, and secure platform for NFT minting and Web3 gaming.Through zero-knowledge rollup (zk-rollup) technology developed in collaboration with StarkWare, it enables gas-free NFT minting and trading while inheriting the security of the Ethereum mainnet.Immutable X is committed to addressing the challenges faced by Ethereum—such as scalability issues, high gas fees, and poor user experience—when processing large volumes of NFT transactions, and it demonstrates significant potential, particularly in the GameFi (blockchain gaming) sector.
Core Technology Partners
- StarkWare: Immutable X has partnered with StarkWare to build a zk-rollup-based scaling engine using StarkWare’s StarkEx prover and validator. This technology bundles thousands of off-chain transactions into a single Ethereum transaction, significantly reducing costs and increasing throughput—processing over 9,000 transactions per second, far exceeding the Ethereum mainnet’s 15 transactions per second.
Major Gaming Projects
The Immutable X ecosystem has attracted numerous Web3 gaming projects spanning a variety of genres:
- Illuvium (ILV): A AAA-tier open-world RPG adventure game that incorporates Play-to-Earn (P2E) elements, allowing players to capture and battle NFT creatures to earn rewards.
- Gods Unchained: A digital trading card game where players can collect NFT cards and battle in tactical PvP matches. This was one of the first blockchain games launched by Immutable.
- Guild of Guardians (GOG): A fantasy action RPG mobile game where players assemble teams of heroes to complete dungeon challenges and earn rewards.
- Ember Sword: A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Bright Star Studios, which has chosen to migrate from Polygon to Immutable X to achieve better scalability and tighter integration with the Ethereum ecosystem.
- WAGMI Games: A tower defense game set in the year 3022, where players can choose to play as humans or aliens and defend towers by strategically deploying troops and setting traps.
- Undead Blocks: A AAA-tier multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Wagyu Games.
- Planet Quest: A game project currently in development on Immutable X.
- Deviants' Factions: A game project currently in development on Immutable X.
- BLOCKLORDS: A P2O (Play-to-Own) medieval MMO grand strategy game built on Immutable X and Polygon.
- Space Nation: A Web3 space opera MMORPG built on Immutable zkEVM.
- One Tap by Qorbi World: A strategic first-person shooter built on Immutable X and Solana.
Partnerships with Well-Known Brands and Platforms
Immutable X has also established partnerships with several major brands and platforms to expand its influence in the NFT and Web3 spaces:
- GameStop: GameStop’s NFT marketplace is built on Immutable X and aims to create a comprehensive NFT ecosystem for gamers and collectors. Immutable has also partnered with GameStop to establish a $100 million fund to provide funding for NFT gaming projects.
- TikTok: In 2021, Immutable X partnered with TikTok to launch “TikTok Top Moments,” the platform’s first NFT collection, marking a significant milestone for Immutable X in the mainstream space.
- Disney and Marvel: Through a partnership with VeVe, Immutable X facilitated the creation and trading of Disney and Marvel-licensed NFTs, bringing these popular IPs into the blockchain space.
- Ubisoft: In November 2023, Immutable announced a partnership with leading video game developer and publisher Ubisoft to jointly explore the potential of Web3 gaming, with the goal of creating a frictionless Web3 gaming experience for players.
- Polygon Labs: Immutable partnered with Polygon Labs to launch the “Gaming on Polygon” hub, designed to integrate multiple AAA-tier games from the Polygon ecosystem into Immutable Play, with plans to connect Immutable zkEVM to Agglayer to enable cross-chain interoperability.
- ESL Gaming: Through its partnership with ESL, Immutable X is exploring new applications for NFTs in the esports sector, such as rewards and ownership of in-game assets.
Infrastructure and Development Tools
Immutable X also provides developers with a rich suite of tools and infrastructure support:
- StarkWare StarkEx: As the core technology, it provides a zero-knowledge aggregation solution that ensures high throughput and security.
- Developer SDKs and APIs: Immutable X offers easy-to-use APIs and SDKs to help developers launch new games and integrate NFT features more quickly.
- Global Order Book: Immutable X provides a global order book that instantly distributes NFTs to every marketplace across the blockchain network.
- Immutable Passport: Designed to eliminate gas fees on Immutable zkEVM and enhance the user experience.
- Alchemy: As a Web3 development platform, Alchemy lists a variety of applications, projects, and development tools on Immutable X, covering DAO tools, decentralized games, DeFi applications, NFT tools, and more.
- Layerswap: Supports fast and cost-effective cryptocurrency bridging and exchanges across 72 chains and major exchanges.
- CARV: Focuses on credentials and data infrastructure for the gaming sector.
- Rubic: A cross-chain technology aggregator for users and dApp tools.
- Meld: A global stablecoin and digital asset network that aggregates cryptocurrency deposit and withdrawal services through a single integration.
- softstack: A Web3 software development, cybersecurity, and consulting firm.
- Collab.Land: An NFT-token-gated bot for Telegram and Discord.
- Verichains: A Web3 security firm with expertise in cryptography and core blockchain technology.
Investors
Immutable X is backed by several prominent cryptocurrency venture capital firms, includingCoinbase, Naspers, Nirvana Capital, Apex Capital Partners, Continue Capital, and Galaxy Digital. Additionally, in March 2022, Immutable raised $200 million in a Series C funding round led by Temasek, with participation from Tencent and Animoca Brands, valuing the company at $3.5 billion.
