Axelar and Immutable, two prominent names in the Web3 space, recently announced their integration, a move to increase interoperability in Web3 gaming. By integrating into the Axelar network, Immutable zkEVM-based games can extend their reach across a continuously growing network, ensuring high levels of programmability, security and scalability at the cross-chain level.
Meet Axelar and Unchangeable
Axelar acts as an extended interoperability layer for Web3, transforming blockchain into a new type of development platform. It integrates various networks into a unified ‘internet of blockchains’. On the other hand, Immutable is a leading Web3 game development and publishing company. They are known for creating successful games such as ‘Gods Unchained’ and the anticipated ‘Guild of Guardians’.
In the first phase, Axelar will enable direct connectivity between Ethereum and Immutable’s new zkEVM chain, Immutable zkEVM. This Polygon-based ZK rollup chain is an integral part of Immutable’s Web3 gaming platform. This chain also offers compatibility with Ethereum’s Virtual Machine (EVM), along with low-cost transactions and extensive scalability.
Benefits of interoperability in Web3 Gaming
The integration with the Axelair network brings a number of substantial benefits. First, it increases user onboarding, giving games direct access to Ethereum Layer 1 users. Second, asset bridging is streamlined, allowing players to transfer assets to and from Ethereum Layer 1 via Immutable Passport and Immutable Checkout.
This simplifies the process of deposits and withdrawals. Finally, there is a significant improvement in cross-chain scalability, allowing games to extend their reach across multiple blockchains, in fact over 50 chains.
Sergey Gorbunov, CEO of Interop Labs, the first developer of the Axelar network, said of the recent collaboration: “The integration of Immutable serves as an expansion package for the Axelar ecosystem, complementing a platform that already supports interoperability for business leaders Web3 gaming platforms such as Decentraland. and XPLA.”
IMX: the native utility token of the immutable ecosystem
As part of the integration, Axelar will securely transfer IMX, the native utility token of the immutable ecosystem, to zkEVM. IMX is essential for covering transaction costs and driving user and developer engagement within the immutable ecosystem. This ensures that games developed on Immutable zkEVM have access to a growing network of 56 blockchains, offering built-in programmability, security and scalability at the cross-chain level.
Axelar is programmable and decentralized, backed by its proof-of-stake token, AXL. For developers, it offers an easy-to-use API and a comprehensive ecosystem of tools and service providers to streamline their work.
The collaboration between Axelar and Immutable highlights the importance of collaboration in driving innovation within the Web3 gaming industry. With their combined expertise, these two companies can make significant progress in interoperability, scalability and user experience for Web3 games.