Ronin Introduces zkEVM 

Ronin is launching zkEVM to scale Web3 gaming, enhancing transaction capacity and fostering a unified gaming ecosystem.

Gaming blockchain Ronin has unveiled the upcoming launch of Ronin zkEVM, a zero-knowledge (ZK) Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) layer-2 chain. This development, announced on June 18, is aimed at scaling Web3 games and facilitating the integration of more gaming experiences into its network. Built using a modified version of the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK) by Sky Mavis, this new ZK chain is set to enhance the permissionless environment and accommodate a significantly larger user base.

Enhancing Scalability and User Experience

The introduction of Ronin zkEVM marks a significant step towards accommodating the rapid growth of the gaming blockchain ecosystem. Initially developed for the popular play-to-earn (P2E) game Axie Infinity, Ronin has since expanded its support to a broader range of blockchain games. According to data from the Ronin blockchain explorer, the network has already reached 1.4 million daily active addresses, demonstrating its robust infrastructure and user engagement.

The team at Sky Mavis, led by co-founder Jeff Zirlin, is preparing the network to handle a staggering volume of transactions. Currently, Ronin can process up to 40 million transactions daily, but the vision is to scale this capacity to handle between 400 million and four billion transactions. The introduction of zkEVM technology is crucial in achieving this goal, offering enhanced scalability and efficiency.

Facilitating Innovation for Partner Studios

Ronin’s commitment to supporting its game studio partners is evident in the new features of the zkEVM chain. By incorporating an enshrined Polygon ZK prover, Ronin allows game studios to build their own zkEVM blockchains without the need to establish independent security and consensus mechanisms. This approach not only reduces complexity but also encourages innovation and expansion within the network.

Since migrating to Ronin in October 2023, major blockchain games, including Web3 game Pixels, have experienced substantial growth, surpassing 4.4 million users. The enhanced scalability and user experience provided by Ronin zkEVM will enable these studios to continue innovating and expanding their offerings.

Creating a Unified Web3 Gaming Ecosystem

Sky Mavis’ vision for Ronin extends beyond merely scaling transactions. The company aims to create a unified Web3 gaming ecosystem that facilitates seamless asset transfers, token swaps, and non-fungible token (NFT) trading between layer-1 and layer-2 games. This holistic approach is designed to enhance the overall gaming experience and attract a broader audience to the network.

Trung Nguyen, CEO and co-founder of Sky Mavis, emphasized the importance of Ronin zkEVM in onboarding billions of gamers. The collaboration with Polygon and the integration of their technology marks a new era for Web3 gaming, positioning Ronin as a leader in the space.

Leveraging Polygon’s Technology

The strategic partnership with Polygon is a key element in Ronin’s expansion plans. Polygon Co-founder Sandeep Nailwal highlighted the impact of the Polygon CDK in supporting Ronin’s gaming ecosystem. This collaboration combines advanced technology with significant distribution power and user engagement, making Ronin an increasingly attractive destination for game studios.

The integration of the Polygon CDK will not only enhance the technical capabilities of Ronin but also provide a more seamless cross-chain experience for users. This development is expected to lead to higher staking rewards and increased opportunities for third-party builders to launch their own layer-2 blockchains on Ronin.