London-based gaming startup Improbable is making bold strides in the blockchain world with its upcoming Layer-1 network, Somnia. Known for creating Yuga Labs’ Otherside metaverse, Improbable aims to overcome blockchain’s performance challenges by building an infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale metaverse applications. With Somnia’s development moving into its DevNet phase in the coming weeks, the blockchain claims an impressive 400,000 Transactions Per Second (TPS) capacity, putting it in a unique position within the blockchain landscape.
Revolutionizing Blockchain With Somnia’s High Throughput And EVM Compatibility
Somnia’s design prioritizes high transaction throughput and low latency—essential features for interactive and immersive digital environments. Improbable’s CEO, Herman Narula, shared that Somnia is EVM-compatible, allowing seamless integration with existing Ethereum-based applications. By enabling massive TPS capacity and sub-second latency, Somnia offers a robust infrastructure that other blockchains have struggled to achieve. Narula emphasizes the importance of focusing on substantial performance advancements rather than short-term profit, noting that many blockchains suffer from limited transaction volumes, often in the single digits.
“Over the last decade, no one has built a truly high-performance blockchain,” Narula remarked. “The industry’s incentives often lead to token pumps rather than tackling real problems. Somnia aims to bring real solutions, especially to consumer-driven metaverse applications where speed and scalability are critical.”
The Virtual Society Foundation and Improbable’s Vision for a Scalable Blockchain Ecosystem
Backed by the Virtual Society Foundation and funded by Improbable M²—an interoperable network of metaverses supported by investors like a16z and SoftBank—Somnia is the product of two years of intensive research. Improbable has been building technology that can handle hundreds of thousands of transactions per second, a feat that sets it apart from existing Layer-1 solutions. For Narula and his team, Somnia represents a key step forward in creating applications capable of sustaining dynamic, high-traffic environments without compromising user experience.
Narula compares Somnia’s design to a bustling restaurant with multiple waiters handling complex orders simultaneously. “Our approach isn’t to just add more staff,” Narula explained. “Instead, we’ve focused on making each server faster and more efficient. This is crucial when you’re managing millions of interactions within a single metaverse space.”
Improbable’s Metaverse Vision and Financial Growth
Founded nearly a decade ago, Improbable has steadily expanded its influence in the metaverse space. Following a significant funding round involving industry giants such as SoftBank and Andreessen Horowitz, the M² division was launched, amplifying Improbable’s focus on virtual worlds. By 2023, the company reported revenues of £78 million—double its earnings from the previous year—highlighting the financial success tied to its metaverse ambitions.
According to Narula, Improbable’s metaverse technology is driving new fan engagement opportunities across entertainment, sports, and music. “Our proprietary technology can elevate fan experiences in unprecedented ways,” he shared. “The metaverse offers endless opportunities, and Somnia’s development aligns perfectly with our mission to expand user engagement across various industries.”
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With the impending launch of Somnia’s DevNet phase, Improbable is setting the stage for a blockchain revolution. Somnia’s combination of high-speed processing, low fees, and Ethereum compatibility is positioned to transform metaverse interactions, enabling more intricate and engaging experiences than ever before. As Improbable’s innovative blockchain architecture takes shape, the metaverse is primed to become an even more integral part of our digital future, paving the way for new possibilities in fan engagement and beyond.
