About

Immutable is a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that focuses on NFTs and game economies. The protocol features one live network (Immutable X), with a second in development (Immutable zkEVM). Both networks utilize Zero-Knowledge technology in the form of ZK Rollups (protocols that execute transactions offchain, then bundle data from the several transactions into a singular “batch” transaction that is then submitted to the Layer-1 network). Each batch generates a validity proof, which allows a network to cryptographically confirm the associated transactions were executed properly without revealing the content of the transactions. The validity proof is then submitted to a Layer-1 smart contract, in this case, Ethereum, where all transactions within a single batch are processed in a single hash. This technology hypothetically enables over 9,000 transactions per second.

History

Immutable was founded in June 2018 by two brothers, James Ferguson and Robbie Ferguson, in addition to Alex Connolly. Originally named Fuel Games, the project rebranded in August 2018 to become Immutable.

The project began as a way to scale the growth of Gods Unchained, a Play-to-Earn (P2E) game. Due to the growth of the game, the project team needed a network that was quicker and more reliable than Ethereum. To accomplish this, Immutable partnered with StarkWare to use the StarkEx scalability engine. The project team’s goal in doing so could accommodate 200.00 million trades each day without using more than 30.00% of the capacity provided by Ethereum.

The alpha version of the protocol launched on April 9, 2021, and was only accessible by players of the Gods Unchained game. Development has since progressed in five phases, which are:

• Phase 1 (“Deus”) - Players of Gods Unchained could link wallets, mint, and trade Trial of the Gods cards.
• Phase 2 (“Cosmos”) - Immutable X became available for other exchanges and decentralized applications.
• Phase 3 (“Multiverse”) - Additional features were added, including (1) liquidity incentives, (2) fiat support, (3) drops, (4) unique rewards, and (5) wallet management, among other features.
• Phase 4 (“Metaverse”) - Improved the UX for traders and developers.
• Phase 5 (“Utopia”) - As development for Immutable X continues, the protocol intends to incorporate digital ownership of physical assets through NFTs.

“Metaverse” (Phase 4) has been completed; however, the project team has not released details as to when “Utopia” (Phase 5) will launch or what it will entail.

The most recent developments made by the project team include the launch of the Immutable Passport on Dec. 19, 2023, and the release of the early access period for Immutable zkEVM. The early access period is ongoing, which grants select developers the ability to build on the network. The network’s release is scheduled to roll out over three phases:

• Phase One (”Early Access”): During this phase, smart contract deployment is restricted to an unspecified group of game studios and partners. In addition, community members can deploy preset smart contract templates on Immutable zkEVM through the “Contract Factory.”
• Phase Two (”Prover Integration”): Immutable zkEVM’s prover, which creates validity proofs for the network’s transaction batches, is scheduled to be integrated. The project team also intends to assess waitlisted projects to allow more developers access to the network.
• Phase Three (”General Availability”): The project team removes the allowlist, and any developers can deploy smart contracts on Immutable zkEVM’s mainnet.

A commercially reasonable search found no disclosure(s) from the project team regarding a potential release date for phases two and/or three. In a post on “X,” the project team announced that updates would be continually rolled out in 2024.

Over 220 games have been funded to build on Immutable X, and over 25 Web3 games are live on the network, such as Gods Unchained, Illuvium, and Ember Sword. A full list of games can be seen on the project’s website.