Ronin Network (RON)

Ronin is an Ethereum sidechain created by Sky Mavis to power the game Axie Infinity, one of blockchain gaming’s biggest successes.

Ronin is a specialized Layer 1 blockchain focusing on Web3 games, initially created by Sky Mavis to host Axie Infinity and offering significantly lower gas fees and high transaction speeds compared to the Ethereum mainnet. This streamlined approach helps address the scaling challenges that popular crypto projects face.

In this post, we’ll look at how this streamlined approach enables millions of in-game transactions, fostering an environment of rapid growth for developers building games beyond Axie Infinity.

What is Ronin Network?

Ronin is a specialized Layer 1 blockchain with an emphasis on Web3 games, initially developed by Sky Mavis to host Axie Infinity. The goal was to create a platform that could handle Axie Infinity’s user base and in-game transactions without the high gas fees found on Ethereum.

The network’s massive traction, largely due to Axie Infinity, has prompted Ronin to broaden its reach to more game studios and developers seeking reliable blockchain infrastructure. Ronin continues to evolve from an Axie-focused chain to a more general platform suited for broader applications in gaming, NFTs, and DeFi.

The network employs a proof of authority (PoA) model, though it is moving toward a more decentralized approach, incorporating Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) mechanics for stronger security. By enabling minimal spam and verifying transactions through select validators, Ronin provides faster confirmations and improved user experiences compared to the Ethereum mainnet.

The Team Behind Ronिन Network: Sky Mavis

Sky Mavis, a Vietnam-based company, is known for pioneering player-owned economies through Axie Infinity. Comprised of blockchain and security experts, the team at Sky Mavis set out to build Ronin as a specialized solution for developers creating games with heavy on-chain interactions.

Beyond Axie Infinity, the company is partnering with additional game studios, such as Tribes Studio and Bali Games, aiming to expand Ronin’s applications and advance blockchain gaming for a global audience.

Ronin past events

A significant incident led Sky Mavis to strengthen Ronin’s infrastructure: the Ronin validator breach of early 2022. Attackers exploited trusted validators through a socially engineered attack, compromising user funds and exposing vulnerabilities within the network’s entire architecture.

In response, Sky Mavis introduced extra layers of protection and expanded the set of validators to enhance Ronin’s decentralization. This event drew the attention of security experts auditing the network, resulting in more sophisticated safeguards to validate transactions and prevent future attacks, effectively fortifying Ronin’s reputation among developers and users.

How Ronin Works

Ronin employs a modified Proof of Authority (PoA) framework, where trusted validators run the network and approve transactions. Unlike Ethereum, this approach reduces gas fees and confirmation times because a smaller, elite group of validators manages the chain.

Though PoA has been efficient, Ronin plans to adopt elements of Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) so token holders delegate responsibilities to nodes that maintain the chain’s security.

Transactions flow seamlessly from Ethereum to Ronin through the Ronin Bridge, enabling players to bring their assets into the Ronin ecosystem. Once inside, users can engage in gaming applications, mint NFTs, or interact with DeFi protocols at a fraction of the usual cost.

This is possible because Ronin aims to maintain minimal congestion and overhead, keeping user experiences smooth. The network’s design also helps deter spam transactions and unauthorized activities, offering a more battle-tested environment for large-scale blockchain gaming operations.

The Ronin Network Ecosystem

Ronin optimizes blockchain gaming by offering an entire ecosystem that supports game developers, NFT creators, and DeFi participants. Built to accommodate massive user bases, the network’s architecture is designed to handle intensive on-chain interactions without excessive gas fees or long confirmation times. Take a look at some of the key components of the Ronin ecosystem.

Games

Originally developed for Axie Infinity, Ronin now attracts more game studios, including Bali Games and Tribes Studio. These developers are building new titles that leverage Ronin’s fast transactions and player-friendly infrastructure. The network’s proof of authority model, transitioning toward Delegated Proof of Stake, helps ensure smooth gameplay and minimal spam.

Many Games have migrated to the chain recently; the full list of games on Ronin is here.

For more information, check out Why are projects migrating to the Ronin Network?

NFTs

The Ronin blockchain supports NFTs through in-game assets, collectibles, and digital art. These NFTs are minted and traded with lower costs than on the Ethereum mainnet. Projects benefit from customizable smart contracts and consistent verification by trusted validators.

DeFi

Ronin’s DeFi offerings include Katana DEX, which facilitates token swaps with low fees and quick confirmations. Future protocols could incorporate lending or staking to earn rewards. With rigorous internal security measures, Ronin aims to become a well-rounded platform for decentralized finance, enabling robust liquidity and user-friendly DeFi experiences.