Immutable has recently announced a groundbreaking feature for its upcoming Immutable zkEVM network. The feature coming from the blockchain company is the ability for developers to sponsor transaction fees for players. This strategic move is anticipated to make exploring new games more economically viable for players. It could also pave the way for wider adoption of blockchain gaming.
Immutable zkEVM is a gaming-centric Ethereum scaling network. This new feature allow games developed on this platform can enable gas fee sponsorship. The significance lies in the potential to make the onboarding process for players smoother and more affordable. Thus, addressing a common concern in the blockchain gaming space.
The key to this initiative is the Immutable Passport, a universal gamer profile system. Players leveraging the Passport will have the privilege of avoiding gas fees for games that developers choose to sponsor. This move aligns with the vision of Immutable to eliminate the perceived barrier of gas fees. Thus, making the blockchain components of games as seamless and native as possible for mainstream gamers.
During the launch of the zkEVM mainnet in early 2023, Immutable planned to sponsor gas fees for all games on the network for a limited period. This strategic move aims to encourage developers to adopt the sponsorship model. It is also to provide players with a taste of a gas-free gaming experience.
The process for game studios to make their games gas-free is straightforward. Studios can deposit funds into a dedicated smart contract wallet. Thus, ensuring that gas fees for Passport users are automatically covered without being visible to the players. Immutable believes that the costs incurred by studios will be negligible compared to the benefits.
The Immutable team is optimistic about the transformative impact of this feature. Thus, emphasizing that mainstream players won't accept high gas fees. By offering a streamlined user experience, Immutable aims to attract a broader audience to the world of blockchain gaming.
There are more than 200 games committing to building within Immutable's ecosystem. This includes notable titles like Shardbound, MetalCore, and Space Nation. The introduction of gas fee sponsorship is a strategic move to make blockchain gaming more appealing to a wider audience.