The popular metaverse The Sandbox has announced a fundamental strategic move. The Sandbox launches its own blockchain, a Layer 3 network built on Arbitrum’s technology. The confirmation was made by its co-founder and COO, Sebastien Borget, marking a milestone for the platform and its community of users and creators.
The decision to develop a dedicated chain responds to the need to overcome the limitations of the Ethereum network. Although The Sandbox will remain connected to Ethereum, this new infrastructure aims to offer a much smoother user experience. This will be achieved with faster transactions, significantly lower gas costs, and greater overall capacity, allowing for more complex in-game interactions.
Beyond Ethereum: The keys to The Sandbox’s new network
The Sandbox’s new network will be an “Orbit Chain,” developed using Arbitrum’s technology. In practice, it will function as a Layer 3 that sits on top of Arbitrum’s Layer 2 scaling solution. One of the most significant changes for users is that the ecosystem’s native token, SAND, will be used to pay for gas fees on this new chain. This measure simplifies the internal economy and gives the token greater utility.
This strategic move is primarily aimed at improving scalability and the user experience. During high-demand events, gas fees on Ethereum can skyrocket, creating a barrier to entry for many players. By having its own chain, The Sandbox can manage its own operational costs, offering a more predictable and affordable experience for its global user base.
What does this change mean for the SAND token and its users?
The implementation of a proprietary blockchain has direct and positive implications for the ecosystem. For holders of the SAND token, the news is relevant, as their asset will now have a central function in the new infrastructure. By being the gas token, its demand could be driven by the activity within the metaverse itself, which strengthens its fundamental role in the game’s economy.
This development positions The Sandbox for long-term growth by mitigating the network congestion issues that have plagued many decentralized applications. The platform seeks to solidify its position as a leading metaverse, capable of supporting millions of users simultaneously. The transition to its own chain is a crucial step to make its virtual world more accessible and attractive to players, developers, and partner brands alike.