Overview
Immutable’s zkEVM is a gaming chain built on Ethereum that allows game developers to introduce customised digital ownership and Web3 mechanics in their games.
Start building
Build a game
These sets of guides will teach you how to build and deploy a full-stack web3 game on the Immutable zkEVM rollup
Build a marketplace
These sets of guides will teach you how to build and deploy a fully decentralised marketplace on the Immutable zkEVM rollup
Tools for building
SDKs
Immutable provides SDKs for a range of languages and frameworks that make it easy for application developers to execute basic, as well as more advanced, functionality.
APIs
Immutable provides APIs for studios and developers with all the on-chain data they need to build fantastic games through a simple, powerful, and scalable set of APIs
Products
Passport
Non-custodial wallet and authentication solution that streamlines user onboarding through passwordless sign-on and automated wallet creation.
Checkout
Complete payment solution that manages your game or marketplace's entire checkout process.
Minting
Mint millions of NFTs with ease and unlock truly scalable web3 games by using Immutable Mint to issue carbon neutral NFTs with Ethereum security.
Blockchain Data APIs
All the on-chain data you need to build fantastic games through a simple, powerful, and scalable set of APIs.
Orderbook
The Immutable Orderbook allows marketplaces, studios, and creators to increase their revenue and liquidity by sharing NFT orders across the world's leading NFT marketplaces
What is a zkEVM?
The EVM (Ethereum virtual machine) is the virtual machine that enables smart contracts to be executed on the Ethereum blockchain. Immutables zkEVM is a variant of the EVM built on Layer 2 zk-rollup, which is a scaling solution that enables high throughput and low-cost transactions while leveraging the security of the Ethereum mainnet.
The core benefit that it provides developers is that they can now build applications on a secure Layer 2 solution using the same language (Solidity) and development frameworks that they are used to on Ethereum Layer 1.
Immutable zkEVM or Immutable X?
Immutable offer two different rollup technologies on which you can build your Web3 game: Immutable X (built on StarkEx) and Immutable zkEVM (built on Polygon zkEVM).
Which rollup is right for your game? See the comparison table below:
Functionality comparison
| Functionality | Immutable X | Immutable zkEVM |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible via Immutable APIs and SDKs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Secured by Ethereum with zk-proofs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-custodial | ✅ | ✅ |
| Gas-less transactions | ✅ | ❌ |
| Write custom smart contracts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Atomic contract composability | ❌ | ✅ |
| Compatibility with Ethereum tooling (Solidity, Hardhat, RPC nodes, etc.) | ❌ | ✅ |
Read also our CTO Alex Connolly’s deep-dive: Why choose Immutable zkEVM? Unleashing the Potential of Web3 Games.