The Ethereum scaling startup Immutable has launched a test network for its new zkEVM technology, allowing dozens of blockchain game studios to start experimenting with the scaling solution before it officially rolls out.
ZkEVM networks like Immutable can process more transactions faster and cheaper than the main Ethereum network. They bundle multiple transactions together into a single processed “roll-up” transaction, keeping some data private.
Immutable’s new zkEVM network is built on Polygon’s zkEVM technology through a partnership. It differs from Immutable’s current Immutable X platform.
Some of the biggest blockchain games have announced plans to use Immutable’s new zkEVM network once it fully launches. The test network will allow these studios to try out the scaling solution.
MetalCore
MetalCore merges FPS and mech combat in a sci-fi shooter. Players can switch between being a soldier on foot or piloting a large mech robot against enemies. The game seamlessly blends PVP and PVE action as you battle in mech and ground modes.
The game is still in development but will use Immutable’s zkEVM network for crypto transactions when its closed beta test starts on September 15th. By leveraging zkEVM, MetalCore aims to provide fast and inexpensive transactions as players battle enemies and earn rewards.
The closed beta will be the first implementation of Immutable’s scaling solution in the game, allowing the developers to test out zkEVM before the full launch. MetalCore serves as an exciting example of a high-action blockchain game taking advantage of zkEVM roll-ups to improve the user experience.
Shardbound
The fantasy player-versus-player card game Shardbound is being revived as an NFT title by Immutable Games and Bazooka Tango.
Shardbound was originally developed by the indie studio Spiritwalk Games but shut down years ago due to business challenges. Now, Immutable and Bazooka Tango are bringing the strategic auto battler game back to life with NFT integration.
In Shardbound, players use cards to strategically place characters on a hexagonal map to battle each other. Immutable and Bazooka Tango announced plans to relaunch Shardbound with NFTs in March 2023, adding blockchain elements to the core gameplay.
By reviving Shardbound with NFTs, the companies aim to create new monetization opportunities and ownership mechanisms for players. The new version of the game is still in development but will leverage Immutable’s zkEVM scaling solution once live.
Medieval Empires
Medieval Empires is a strategy game that will leverage Immutable’s zkEVM network, though the exact implementation details have not been specified yet. The game lets players truly own the in-game items they acquire through a “play-and-own” NFT approach.
Medieval Empires is currently playable on Mac and Windows. The developers have already released an in-game token called MEE as well as virtual land NFTs on Polygon. However, they have not yet announced plans to migrate to zkEVM.
The studio is selling bundles of in-game currency called “silver” that players can purchase with the USDC stablecoin. By integrating with zkEVM in the future, Medieval Empires could provide faster and cheaper transactions for key actions like trading silver and land NFTs.
While details are still scarce, Medieval Empires represents another exciting strategy game leveraging Immutable’s scaling solution to improve the blockchain gaming experience.
EF Defense
EF Defense is a mobile strategy game for iOS and Android set in a fantasy world threatened by dark forces. Players must stop the invasion by building towers and controlling over 70 playable characters.
The developer Weracle announced in July 2023 that EF Defense will leverage Immutable’s zkEVM network, though details are still unknown. The game already has playable character NFTs on Polygon.
By integrating zkEVM, EF Defense can provide faster and cheaper transactions as players acquire characters, build towers, and earn rewards in the play-to-earn game. This tower defense title represents another mobile blockchain game looking to scale with Immutable’s technology.
While specifics are still to come, EF Defense shows the potential for zkEVM to improve performance for strategy games on mobile devices. Faster transactions could lead to more seamless gameplay for fans of the fantasy tower defense genre.
Galaxy Commanders
Galaxy Commanders is an upcoming sci-fi PVP game for mobile and PC set in an epic space opera universe. Players will own battleship NFTs and complete quests while fighting others.
In July 2023, the developers announced the game will leverage Immutable’s zkEVM network. By using zkEVM, transactions like acquiring battleships as NFTs and earning Dimensium currency through quests could become faster and cheaper.
Galaxy Commanders represents an exciting opportunity to showcase how zkEVM can improve blockchain games with NFT assets and virtual economies. The ability to own spaceships as NFTs and seamlessly trade or upgrade them will be key to the experience.
While details are still limited, Galaxy Commanders has major potential as an immersive sci-fi game powered by the scalability of Immutable’s zkEVM roll-up technology. Fans eager for blockchain games with an intergalactic theme have reason to be excited.
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