What Is Immutable (IMX)?
Immutable (IMX), launched in July 2021, is a layer-2 scaling solution for NFTs and gaming on Ethereum, utilizing zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups) to enable gas-free, high-speed transactions. Focused on Web3 gaming and NFTs, Immutable powers platforms like Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians. Its native token, IMX, drives governance, staking, and fees.
Key Features
- zk-Rollups: Processes 9,000+ TPS with zero gas fees for NFT minting and trading, compared to Ethereum’s ~25 TPS.
- Immutable zkEVM: A dedicated EVM-compatible chain for gaming, hosting 51+ dApps and $26.6M in NFT volume, surpassing Solana in 2025.
- Developer Tools: Offers APIs and SDKs for seamless dApp integration, supporting games from Animoca Brands and others.
- Ecosystem: Trades on 138+ exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) and 200+ markets, with wallet support like MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet.
IMX Token
- Purpose: Used for transaction fees, staking, governance, and user incentives like trading rewards.
- Supply: ~1.9B IMX in circulation, with a maximum supply of 2B.
- Contract Address: On Ethereum, IMX’s contract is
0xf57e7e7c23978c3caec3c3548e3d615c346e79ff
(addable to MetaMask) CoinGecko CMC.
Who Are the Founders of IMX?
Immutable was co-founded by James Ferguson and Robbie Ferguson in 2018, based in Sydney, Australia. Backed by Coinbase Ventures, Animoca Brands, and Galaxy Digital, Immutable raised $15M in a 2019 Series A. The project is governed by IMX holders, with ~$200M in cash reserves as of 2025.
What Makes IMX Unique?
Immutable stands out in Web3:
- NFT and Gaming Focus: First layer-2 dedicated to NFTs, offering scalability without compromising Ethereum’s security.
- Gas-Free Transactions: Eliminates Ethereum’s high gas fees, enabling mass adoption for NFT trading and gaming.
- Carbon Neutrality: Partners with Trace and Cool Effect to offset environmental impact, aiming for a green NFT ecosystem. )
IMX Network Upgrades (2025)
- zkEVM Staking (Q2 2025): Enabled IMX staking on Immutable zkEVM, replacing Immutable X staking with enhanced rewards).
- Binance Alpha Listing (June 2025): Boosted liquidity with a token airdrop, increasing trading volume by 15%.
- EVM Scalability (March 2025): Improved zkEVM performance, supporting 500+ upcoming games and 10th-highest MAU blockchain ranking.
How Is IMX Secured?
Immutable and IMX are secured through:
- Ethereum PoS: Inherits Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake security for rollup settlements.
- zk-Rollups: Uses STARK proofs for scalable, secure off-chain transaction batching.
- Smart Contract Audits: Regular audits by firms like OpenZeppelin ensure protocol integrity.
- Decentralized Governance: IMX stakers vote on upgrades, reducing centralized control.
Conclusion
Immutable (IMX) is a leading layer-2 for NFTs and Web3 gaming, with 1.9B circulating supply. Listed on 138+ exchanges, its gas-free zk-rollups, zkEVM, and 2025 upgrades like staking enhancements position it as a key player in Ethereum’s ecosystem. While competition from other layer-2s persists, Immutable’s focus on gaming, developer tools, and carbon neutrality makes it a standout in Web3.