Intro

Immutable is a Web3 gaming platform that provides Layer 2 scaling solutions for Ethereum, aimed at powering blockchain-based games and NFT marketplaces. Its infrastructure offers zero gas fees, instant trade confirmations, and enhanced scalability. The platform utilizes ZK-rollup technology, including Immutable X and Immutable zkEVM, to support efficient and secure asset transactions.

Background and Origins

Immutable was founded in 2018 by Robbie Ferguson, James Ferguson, and Alex Connolly. The team’s early experience with Etherbots — a fully on-chain game — exposed the limitations of Ethereum’s gas fees and scalability. These challenges drove the team to build a solution that would offer better performance and user experience for blockchain games.

Technology and Ecosystem

Developer Tools: Immutable offers SDKs for TypeScript, Unity, and Unreal Engine, enabling easy integration of blockchain features into games and applications.

User Experience Enhancements: Tools like Immutable Passport and Checkout simplify wallet onboarding and transaction flows for both developers and users.

Marketplace and Infrastructure: Immutable provides an Orderbook and Marketplace Network, scalable NFT minting, and secure asset trading infrastructure.

Partnerships and Funding: The platform has secured major partnerships with entities like Polygon and StarkWare and raised $200 million in a Series C round led by Temasek, reaching a $2.5 billion valuation.

Notable Games

• Gods Unchained: A competitive TCG that allows players to trade NFT-based cards.
• Guild of Guardians: A mobile RPG where players form teams to complete dungeon challenges.
• Illuvium: An open-world auto-battler that features collectible creatures called Illuvials.
• Blocklords: A medieval strategy game shaped by player decisions and on-chain governance.
• The Bornless: A horror-themed FPS set in a dark world filled with supernatural threats.

Staking and Rewards

Immutable’s native token, IMX, plays a central role in the platform’s economy. Holders can stake IMX to earn rewards, which are distributed every 14 days. To qualify, users must actively participate in the ecosystem — for example, by holding NFTs or engaging in governance.

Although the platform advertises zero gas fees for users, Immutable still collects protocol-level service fees from activities like NFT trading or minting. These are not Ethereum gas fees but fees applied at the platform level, typically paid by developers or marketplaces.

20% of all protocol fees paid in IMX are allocated to a rewards pool for ecosystem participants. This structure incentivizes engagement while maintaining platform sustainability.

Nodes

Immutable X’s zkEVM chain utilizes public partner nodes, similar to Bitcoin full nodes, which relay transactions and provide data access to enhance network decentralization and accessibility for dApps, particularly in gaming and NFTs. Unlike Ronin validators or Bitcoin miners, running these nodes doesn’t require staking IMX tokens or offer direct financial rewards from the protocol.

Immutable’s centralized operators currently handle core validation and proof generation, with plans for progressive decentralization. Operating a node supports network health and ecosystem growth, potentially offering indirect benefits like improved dApp performance or partnership opportunities.