The gaming blockchain Ronin announced the upcoming launch of Ronin zkEVM, a zero-knowledge EVM Layer 2 network built on a modified version of Polygon CDK by Sky Mavis.

On June 18, the team announced the creation of a dedicated ZK network to attract new users and support the growth of partner gaming studios. This move aims to enhance the decentralized environment, facilitating the integration of more gaming capabilities into the network.

The team also plans to include a built-in Polygon ZK verifier module, enabling gaming studios to create their own zkEVM blockchains without the need to ensure their own security and consensus.

Originally developed for the popular P2E game Axie Infinity, the Ronin blockchain now supports a broader gaming ecosystem. According to the Ronin blockchain explorer, the network has already reached 1.4 million active addresses per day.

Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis, said the network is preparing to handle billions of transactions. Zirlin explained:

Sky Mavis believes that the improved scalability of Ronin zkEVM will allow partner studios to continue innovating and expanding.

The network has already implemented major blockchain games that have benefited from its player base. The number of users of the Web3 game Pixels exceeded 4.4 million since transitioning to Ronin in October 2023.

Zirlin also noted other benefits of the new zkEVM network, such as seamless cross-chain interoperability and potentially higher staking rewards.

Creating an Integrated Web3 Gaming Ecosystem

Trung Nguyen, CEO and co-founder of Sky Mavis, stated that their goal is to create a unified gaming ecosystem that enables asset transfer, token exchange, and trading of NFTs between Level 1 and Level 2 games. Nguyen explained:

Meanwhile, Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal emphasized the importance of Polygon CDK. Nailwal believes that Ronin "leads" by combining technology with significant distribution and user engagement capabilities.

Nailwal added that their Polygon CDK will support the Ronin gaming ecosystem and make the network a more attractive place for gaming studios.