
Web3 Gaming's New Frontier: Ultra, Beam, and Immutable X Lead the Charge

Lim Qiaoyun
Thanks in part to innovative blockchain solutions and a global gaming population ready for the next evolution of entertainment, web3 gaming is having a renaissance. Projects such as Ultra, Beam, and Immutable X are at the forefront of changing the way we play blockchain games. Each one is addressing challenges like scalability, user experience, and accessibility, lowering the barriers to mass adoption. With significant funding, soaring token values, and strategic technological advancements, these platforms are poised to onboard millions of gamers and reshape the future of interactive entertainment. It’s the play-to-earn model that fuels this comeback, raking in millions of dollars in revenue. It still remains one of the biggest draws for developers and players alike into the space of Web3 gaming.
Ultra: A Comprehensive Gaming Ecosystem
Ultra’s unique proposition lies in its Ultra EVM blockchain—a custom-built solution, specifically designed to deliver lightning-fast, scalable and gas-free transactions. This is an extremely important benefit. Most importantly, it removes a very real barrier for players who are accustomed to the seamless experience provided by legacy gaming platforms. Ultra removes these barriers by eliminating gas fees, enabling players to trade and sell their in-game assets without limits. This creates a new, looser, more fun game space.
As home to the Ashes of Mankind universe, it’s a perfect example of Ultra’s two-pronged approach to attract both Web3-native and traditional gamers. Empires is focused specifically on users who are already educated on blockchain technology and its underlying concepts. Citadels truly provides a AAA-quality experience that appeals to a broader audience. With amazing visuals, innovative gameplay and an intriguing story, it’s all come together to enhance the entire industry. This latest strategy further positions Ultra to bridge the emerging Web3 ecosystem and traditional gaming sector. That’s because, unlike many other card games, it’s very welcoming to a wide variety of players.
Fueled by $12 million in funding, Ultra is building the detailed infrastructure needed to cover every corner of gaming’s emerging landscape. This includes a launcher for easy game access, a store for purchasing games and in-game items, a marketplace for trading digital assets, and a competitive tournament infrastructure for organized play. Ultra runs a really cool ambassador program, Ultra Creator. This new initiative provides tools for streamers and content creators to showcase the platform and its games to their audiences.
Beam: Prioritizing Speed and User Experience
Beam is a gaming-first Layer 1 blockchain that focuses on speed and efficiency to deliver an ultra-smooth experience for players. From the Bridge Its token $ BEAM has had an unprecedented year in 2023, thanks largely to the booming development and gamer community. This surge in popularity underscores the growing demand for blockchain solutions that are specifically tailored to the needs of the gaming industry.
Beam’s promise to Web2 gamers, in part, is that it will deliver a better experience with microtransactions – ones that fit within their gaming activities and polished UX. Beam takes the complexity out of blockchain technology, allowing players to focus on a fun gaming experience. No more complex wallet installations and transaction submissions! This streamlined approach is crucial for attracting a mainstream audience that may be unfamiliar or intimidated by the technical aspects of Web3.
The platform’s architecture is designed to process large transaction volumes with low latency. Players have everything they need at their fingertips, and this design places them fully in control of a responsive and immersive gaming experience. Beam is committed to continuously improving user experience. Its developer tools and resources make it easy to leverage blockchain technology for game developers already building their games.
Immutable X: Reshaping Web3 Gaming on Ethereum
Immutable X is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that is changing the Web3 gaming ecosystem. Immutable X’s 2024 rebranding from SuperFarm. This transformation was a pivotal move in Nintendo’s long-term plan to develop into a broader and more interconnected gaming ecosystem. This rebrand is the latest sign of the platform’s ambition. In doing so, it recognizes the potential for games to span different chains—like Polygon—and creates a more collaborative and interoperable Web3 gaming ecosystem.
One of the primary benefits to Immutable X is that it can provide zero gas fees for transactions. This unique training creates the perfect storm for games based on NFTs and trading card games (TCGs). For instance, in the card game Gods Unchained, players spend significant amounts of time participating in in-game transactions. Immutable X removes gas fees, removing a secondary and significant barrier for players. Now, they have the unmatched ability to buy, sell, and trade digital assets across their platform with no added fees.
In 2024, Immutable X's token, IMX, reached a market capitalization of $2.7 billion, driven by the platform's EVM compatibility and carbon efficiency. The platform’s EVM compatibility makes it easy for developers to port their existing Ethereum-based games over to Immutable X with little effort. Its carbon efficiency aligns with the growing global demand for more sustainable blockchain technologies. This combination of technological innovation and environmental consciousness positions Immutable X as a leader in the evolving Web3 gaming space.
As DappRadar recently announced, the play-to-earn revenue is already at $1.5 billion in 2023, highlighting the immense economic potential of these blockchain-based games. Revenue for business at the T is generated in many ways. Players make real money by trading in-game assets, competing in tournaments, and winning money by finishing missions. The play-to-earn model has the potential to upend the gaming industry. That’s why it gives players true agency to accumulate real-world value through their time and energy.