For the first time in 2025, Immutable has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Ethereum in monthly NFT trading volume, according to Binance Research data from June. This shift represents a fundamental change in the NFT landscape, driven primarily by explosive growth in gaming-based NFTs and mounting user dissatisfaction with Ethereum’s transaction fees. While overall NFT trading volume increased by 7.2% in June, Ethereum experienced a significant decline in its NFT activity, highlighting the market’s preference for more efficient blockchain alternatives.
Immutable’s success stems from its strategic advantages in the Web3 gaming ecosystem, particularly with the launch of Guild of Guardians and the continued popularity of play-to-earn games. The platform offers three key benefits that have attracted users and developers: completely gas-free NFT transactions, carbon-neutral infrastructure through zkEVM technology, and a laser focus on gaming applications. Meanwhile, established Ethereum NFT collections like Azuki and Bored Ape Yacht Club have struggled with market saturation, price corrections, and what analysts call “mint fatigue” among collectors, though Ethereum maintains its dominance in blue-chip art and premium collectibles.
The competitive landscape between these platforms reveals stark differences in their approaches to NFT trading. Ethereum continues to charge gas fees ranging from $3 to $12 per transaction and primarily serves general-purpose NFTs in art, collectibles, and identity sectors, though recent upgrades have improved its environmental impact. In contrast, Immutable’s high-performance Layer 2 infrastructure eliminates transaction fees entirely while focusing specifically on gaming and digital assets, making it an attractive alternative for developers seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions.
This market evolution signals the emergence of “NFT 2.0” – a new era characterized by interoperability, utility-focused applications, and chain-agnostic approaches. Current trends show growing demand for utility-driven NFTs in gaming, corporate adoption through loyalty programs, decentralized metadata storage, and AI-generated content. The success of Immutable over Ethereum represents more than a simple market shift; it indicates a fundamental transformation toward platforms that prioritize scalability, accessibility, and real-world utility over traditional art-focused applications.
