We once told you about the much-anticipated GameStop NFT marketplace launch, and now the dream is coming into fruition. And yet, GameStop is announcing a partnership, not with the rumored Loopring, but with Immutable X. Yes, the GameStop NFT marketplace with Immutable X, with the confirmed Australia-based partner, is finally happening.
Also, the recently proclaimed pair is offering a $100M dev grant—something builders should definitely keep their eye on.
Read on to learn what’ll set GameStop’s offer above all the other existing NFT marketplaces. Plus, uncover the intrigue behind the choice of Immutable over Loopring—or, is it the case?
Why GameStop chose Immutable X
Apart from any sort of controversy, GameStop has chosen to partner with Immutable for at least five good reasons.
- Zero gas fees. Immutable offers zero gas fees for trading and minting NFTs. That equates to a smoother, frictionless, and more newbie-attractive NFT experience. This feature will be key to long-term gamers who, at the same time, still find themselves noobs in the NFT space.
- Smooth asset trading. Having a global order book is Immutable’s solid advantage. For example, assets you’d list on a website can be purchased in-game. If GameStop uses Immutable X’s technology, it would be so much easier to trade assets across several games.
- Getting gamers fascinated. Gods Unchained is a strong element of Immutable’s portfolio. Immutable’s selling point in the matter is simple but useful: prioritizing a good gaming experience. And that’s something GameStop has considered pretty valuable.
- Drawing more developers. Attracting devs is quite natural to Immutable, given its preference to using REST API’s to mint NFTs instead of using solidity. Devs will clap their hands for the more user-friendly APIs. Again, this will then be a solid anchor for GameStop if they’re dreaming of scaling.
- High PR. Immutable is already quite credible with partners such as TikTok and OpenSea.
Moreover, we’d like to recall Immutable’s USP (unique selling proposition) in the NFT and blockchain industry. Immutable X boasts itself as the very first L2 (Layer 2) for NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain.
GameStop and Loopring is still happening, apparently
So was that thing about Loopring and GameStop exchanging vows a mere hype?
When almost everyone on the planet anticipated the partnership, the handshake of building the GameStop NFT marketplace with Immutable X was quite a shocker.
What most people didn’t know about is this 8-K revelation, with a very interesting section on page 22:
Quite dramatic, isn’t it? If you want a cheesier version, let’s turn you over to this Reddit meme. It seems to sum up the story in a hilarious way.
Loopring vs Immutable X
Both Loopring and Immutable X offer Layer 2 scaling. Loopring, however, is mainly offering an L2 wallet for tokens and NFTs, while Immutable provides an NFT marketplace.
To make that a little bit digestible, picture this. Loopring is like PayPal, while Immutable is like eBay. At least that’s how some people would view it.
Anyway, to keep both Loopring’s and Immutable’s fans hopeful, it looks like they’re both going to work with GameStop. I mean, Immutable X may take care of NFTs for GameStop, sure. And yet, Loopring would still be there, soon. And it will be for everything else in GameStop’s blockchain adventure, whatever “everything else” might mean.
Now on to something powerful.
GameStop and Immutable X offer a grant program
It’s like their very first gift together.
Yes, the GameStop and Immutable X partnership is said to bring back the power to players, creators, and collectors. It’s their way to make a change in the gaming industry.
The funding is open to “game changers”
A whopping $100M grant program awaits the qualified applicants. If you’re keen about building your own Web3 gaming, I suppose this must ignite your interest.
You could be any of the following to apply:
- public company
- venture-backed private company
- private company
- DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)
If you’re not any of those, you could also fall under the “other business/organization” classification.
Moreover, the grant application form is asking if you’re a:
- game developer
- game studio
- Web3 developer
- Metaverse developer
- brand
- service provider
You also need to share your company or project name, website, name, and email address.
Finally, and perhaps the most important part, is for you to describe the nature of your partnership proposal.
If you could showcase what makes your project so interesting, that could give you a better fighting chance for the grant. It’d be best if you could describe your progress. Also, provide some prototypes or whitepapers, and any achievement your project has already gained.
What’s next for GameStop NFT marketplace with Immutable X?
Immutable X will provide GameStop’s “upcoming NFT marketplace w/ security, speed, 100% carbon neutrality & zero gas fee.”
Both companies are still building out the details while supporting interesting NFT game projects.
In the meantime, mainstream users can stay excited, while game devs can take advantage of the grant offer. Who knows your project could be the next Gods Unchained?
And who knows what GameStop x Immutable x Loopring could bring?
I guess it’s immutable—the game isn’t stopping anytime soon.
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