Improbable to Launch High-Throughput L1 Blockchain Somnia

London-based tech company Improbable has announced the upcoming devnet launch of Somnia, a new layer-1 blockchain.

Designed to address scalability in the blockchain space, Somnia reportedly achieves over 400,000 transactions per second (TPS), a significant claim for high-demand applications.

With plans to initially target gaming, social platforms, and decentralized finance (DeFi), Somnia aims to offer a flexible foundation for virtual assets and decentralized applications.

What is Improbable?

Improbable is a technology company specializing in distributed systems and virtual worlds.

Best known for providing the tech behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s Otherside metaverse, Improbable has a solid footing in the gaming and metaverse space. The company, backed by funding from investors like SoftBank, achieved unicorn status in 2017 and reached a valuation of $3.4 billion by the end of 2022.

In recent years, Improbable has refocused on profitable growth, with 2023 marking its first profitable year. Somnia represents Improbable’s latest venture, expanding its reach beyond gaming infrastructure to include blockchain technology.

What is Somnia?

Somnia is a new layer-1 blockchain designed to support high-demand virtual applications with an emphasis on transaction scalability.

Using its ICEdb technology, Improbable claims that Somnia can process over 400,000 transactions per second by implementing advanced data compression and optimized read/write speeds. Built for compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Somnia’s design allows developers to build applications on a blockchain infrastructure that can handle significant transaction volume without traditional bottlenecks.

The blockchain project is spearheaded by the Virtual Society Foundation, an independent organization initiated by Improbable’s MSquared metaverse ecosystem. The Foundation’s goal is to develop a blockchain capable of real-time, mass-consumer applications that are scalable, efficient, and adaptable.

What can we expect from Somnia?

Somnia is expected to initially focus on applications in gaming, metaverse development, and social experiences.

“By applying our knowledge from gaming and distributed systems, we’ve cracked the scalability problem that has long hindered blockchain technology,” said Herman Narula, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Improbable. “Somnia will transform how digital experiences are built and shared, empowering developers to build a more open and equitable digital assets economy.”

The project has also outlined potential uses in DeFi, suggesting a broader application range beyond gaming. Further testing will take place following the devnet release, which will allow developers and users to engage with th e platform and assess its claims of scalability.

Somnia’s long-term roadmap includes expanding its capabilities to support a wider array of applications, though specifics remain under development.