Ronin Developers Plan Return to Ethereum as Layer 2 Network

The gaming sidechain Ronin is set to migrate back to Ethereum as a full-fledged Layer 2 network. The transition is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, according to a blog post.

Sky Mavis, the company behind Axie Infinity, initially separated from the blockchain of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization due to low throughput and high fees in 2021.

The Ronin Bridge cross-chain bridge serves as the communication channel with Ethereum. In late March 2022, Ronin fell victim to a hacking attack, losing over $625 million. The network halted operations and resumed only in July after a relaunch.

“Things are different now. Ethereum is back. Transaction costs and speed are higher than ever. We are on the brink of a new era of growth, and Ronin is ready to ascend,” the team explained their decision.

According to the statement, the L2 will become a “multi-functional network of app stores, going beyond gaming.” Transactions will be executed 12 times faster, and Ronin will benefit from the “robust security and decentralization of Ethereum.”

The protocol will adopt a new consensus mechanism — Proof-of-Distribution. Staking rewards for RON will be distributed under this model.

The gaming network team highlighted several advantages of Ethereum:

• the Ethereum Foundation has undergone restructuring and become more “flexible”;
• the blockchain is winning the battle for attention and capital on Wall Street;
• the use of L2 is becoming more accessible thanks to DA solutions;
• the security of the main network will enhance the efficiency of Ronin’s tokenomics.

“At this point, the circle has closed for us, and we are thrilled to return home to Ethereum. […] This cycle marked the institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. However, the gaming industry has yet to join it,” Ronin emphasized.

In August 2024, unknown individuals withdrew over $11 million in digital assets from the sidechain, but later returned the funds.