Scalability is the ability of a system, network or process to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth. For traditional businesses, scalability refers to how well a company can increase production or services to meet demand without sacrificing performance or losing control over operations.
Think of it like expanding a coffee shop: As demand grows, you might open new locations or hire more staff to meet the needs of more customers.
In the web3 world, scalability refers to how well a decentralized network can grow to support more users, applications and transactions without compromising on speed, security or efficiency. Unlike traditional networks, decentralized networks like those built on blockchain technology operate across numerous independent nodes rather than a centralized server. This difference introduces unique challenges and opportunities for scalability.
In the web3 era, scalability isn’t just a nice-to-have feature—it’s a necessity. As decentralized networks grow, so does the demand for faster transactions, better user experiences and increased security. If a blockchain cannot scale effectively, it risks becoming slow, expensive or unreliable. This can deter users, developers and businesses from adopting the technology.
For example, early blockchain networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum struggled with scalability due to the growing number of transactions they had to process. Each transaction had to be verified by multiple nodes, causing network congestion, delays and high fees. This scalability problem led to the development of newer blockchains designed to handle more transactions per second (TPS) while maintaining decentralization and security.
In web3, scalability challenges are compounded by the decentralized nature of the networks. Since no single entity controls the system, solutions must be implemented across a wide range of participants, which adds complexity. The faster these networks can scale, the more seamless and effective decentralized applications (dApps), games and platforms can become.
Let’s compare scalability in the traditional business world with decentralized networks. In a successful traditional business, scaling might require hiring more staff, improving internal processes or automating certain tasks. For example, a rapidly growing startup might hire hundreds of new employees within a year to keep up with its success. As it scales, it will also face growing pains, such as managing a larger team, more complex operations and the need for more structured procedures.
In decentralized networks, this process can look very different. A decentralized project can achieve massive scale quickly with fewer resources because it’s not limited by centralized control. The network grows by adding more nodes and users who contribute to its security and processing power. However, this rapid growth presents its own challenges, such as maintaining consensus across a larger number of nodes, preventing congestion and ensuring the network’s security.
Blockchain projects must solve scalability issues sooner than later because, unlike most traditional centralized businesses, decentralized networks can easily grow at an exponential pace. The more participants and transactions on the network, the higher the demand for computing power, storage and bandwidth.
The Future of Scalability in Web3
In the blockchain space, it’s common to hear about the “blockchain trilemma,” which refers to the challenges of balancing decentralization, security, and scalability. Typically, improving one of these elements has come at the cost of another. For example, a highly decentralized network may struggle with scalability because each transaction requires verification from many nodes.
However, blockchain technology is rapidly evolving, and new solutions are emerging that aim to address this issue. Layer 2 solutions, sharding, and new consensus algorithms like Proof of Stake (PoS) are designed to enhance scalability without compromising security or decentralization.
GalaChain and Scalability in Web3 Entertainment
A great example of an innovative approach to scalability in web3 is GalaChain, the custom-built blockchain by Gala. GalaChain was designed to support high transaction volumes and complex interactions, particularly for the entertainment industry, which includes gaming, music and film. The gaming industry in particular places enormous demands on blockchain scalability because of the sheer volume of interactions required by millions of users engaging in actions like in-game purchases and character customizations. Gamers have notoriously high standards for their tech.
By focusing on scalability from the start, GalaChain ensures that its network can handle the growing demands of the entertainment industry. GalaChain is built to accommodate future growth, which means the more people who use it, the better it becomes at handling large-scale operations. This “bigger it gets, the bigger it can get” concept reflects the idea that scalability is not just about managing current demand but preparing for exponential growth.
Why Scalability is Critical for the Future of Blockchain
The web3 era moves incredibly fast, and one of the biggest risks for blockchain developers is falling behind on scalability. During development phases, the technology can leap forward, leaving slower-moving projects struggling to catch up. This is why it’s essential for blockchain platforms to not only solve current scalability issues but to anticipate future demands.
For example, as blockchain adoption spreads across industries like finance, healthcare and supply chains, the number of transactions and interactions on these networks will skyrocket. Developers need to build systems that can handle this explosion in activity. Without proper scalability, blockchain projects risk becoming obsolete or too costly for widespread use.
In the web3 world, scalability is everything. It’s the key to unlocking mass adoption and enabling decentralized applications to compete with traditional technologies. As decentralized networks like GalaChain continue to grow, scalability ensures that they can meet the demands of tomorrow, not just today. Whether it’s handling millions of game transactions or enabling the next generation of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, scalability will determine which platforms thrive in the future of web3.
Check out this developer deep dive into GalaChain from LF Decentralized Trust:
At Gala, we’ve always believed that decentralization can empower creators, innovators and communities alike. Now, with GalaChain evolving into a decentralized, developer-first web3 haven, we’re stepping up our mission to bring cutting-edge web3 techy to the forefront of multiple industries.
One of the most exciting milestones on this journey is the integration of GalaChain functionality into leading cryptocurrency exchanges. In the coming weeks, look for announcements that will allow users to exchange and interact with GalaChain tokens on mainstream crypto exchanges for the first time.
This expansion marks a major stride toward making GalaChain more accessible, empowering users to trade, exchange and manage their assets seamlessly. We’re thrilled to announce that new exchange partnerships are now just over the horizon.
These developments will open up new opportunities for GalaChain users and pave the way for enhanced liquidity and engagement with the tokens of the growing Gala universe.
The Era of Bridge-Free Asset Management
Since the earliest days of GalaChain, users have had to bridge their assets between GalaChain and Ethereum, enduring hefty and often unpredictable bridging fees on both sides. Soon, this cumbersome process will be a thing of the past. Our upcoming updates will eliminate the need for costly bridging by offering native solutions within GalaChain, enabling users to exchange, manage liquidity and interact with assets entirely within our ecosystem, no matter where they prefer to trade crypto.
This streamlined approach will not only enhance the user experience but also reduce costs associated with bridging between chains. By saying goodbye to unnecessary fees and the hassle of switching between wallets, users can stay within GalaChain’s secure and efficient environment without compromising accessibility.
What This Means for Creators, Innovators and Communities
We are committed to making GalaChain a decentralized world where creators, players, collectors and innovators from every industry can thrive. This next wave of updates will bring exciting advancements that go far beyond technical improvements. GalaChain will become the home where creators can build, exchange and manage their own ecosystems within the decentralized GalaChain framework we are building in collaboration with LF Decentralized Trust and Hyperledger Fabric. This milestone reflects our ongoing mission to deliver the blockchain the world deserves, one that meets the needs of a wide variety of industries and users, all while maintaining the ethos of decentralization.
Watch the news closely as we continue to unveil new partnerships, integrations and features that will elevate the GalaChain experience for everyone, from blockchain novices to Web3 pioneers.
Gala Music is excited to present our brand new interactive series with $MUSIC Sessions, kicking off on Wednesday, October 23rd.
This dynamic show is designed to bring the Gala Music community closer together and offer a front row seat to everything happening in our expanding ecosystem. With $MUSIC Sessions, you’ll get a chance to connect with artists, learn about new platform updates and even compete for exclusive rewards—all in a fun and engaging format.
What are $MUSIC Sessions?
$MUSIC Sessions are bi-weekly live events on the Gala Music platform and app that dive deep into the latest Gala Music developments. Each episode, hosted by Gala Music community leader think_Jaehoon and featuring special guests, will provide a mix of entertainment, artist interactions and community highlights. We’ll explore legendary collabs, chart-topping updates, community events and much more.
Whether you’re an avid Gala Music enthusiast, a music lover exploring the possibilities of web3 or an artist curious about releasing music on our platform, $MUSIC Sessions is your gateway to staying informed and connected.
What to Expect from the First Episode
The inaugural episode airs on October 23rd, 2024, at 4:00 PM PT and will set the stage for what $MUSIC Sessions is all about. You can look forward to the latest news in the Gala Music ecosystem, introductions of some of our incredible artists and special interactive challenges.
A special segment in each episode will change the beat and add a unique twist, whether it’s an exclusive interview, a community competition or a live reaction to new platform features.
Every episode will feature a curated mix of content that spotlights the diverse talents and projects within the Gala Music community. And of course,there will be opportunities for you, the viewer, to participate and win special rewards!
Why You Should Tune In
$MUSIC Sessions ain’t your run-of-the-mill update show—it’s about creating memorable experiences. Fans can engage in real-time with the hosts, interact with artists and enjoy chances to win exclusive rewards. With each episode, we aim to elevate your understanding of Gala Music’s vision, having a blast along the way.
This series is also a fantastic opportunity for artists within our ecosystem to showcase their talents and connect with the community. With segments dedicated to artist interactions and creative challenges, $MUSIC Sessions provides a platform for artists to shine.
Mark your calendars for October 23rd, and join us for the first-ever $MUSIC Session! It’s more than just a show; it’s an invitation to become part of a vibrant community that’s redefining music for the Web3 era.
Don’t miss out—be part of the conversation, connect with your favorite artists, and maybe even win some cool prizes! Make sure to follow us on Twitter, join the Discord, and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you’re always in the loop.
Gala Music is thrilled to launch the Halloween Trick or Treat Mystery Box—a limited-time “Trick or Treat” inspired sale designed to bring some spooky fun to the music community!
Each Halloween Trick or Treat Mystery Box is priced at just $19.99, and you can pay with $GALA, USDC, USD-T or even your credit card.
So, what’s inside? Here’s where the spooky fun begins:
A 50% chance to unlock a pile of $MUSIC tokens valued between $20 and $100, or
A 50% chance to find the exclusive Halloween Collectible NFT (non-cash value), which could be your ticket to even more surprises!
Collect 10 Halloween Collectibles, and you’ll be able to redeem them for another Mystery Box via your Gala Music collection page before the sale ends. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag some $MUSIC rewards while enjoying the thrill of discovery during the spookiest month of the year!
Ready to dive in? The Halloween “Trick or Treat” Mystery Box is live now—don’t miss your chance to grab one before they disappear!
If you’re not active in the Gala Music Discord community yet, you might miss out on some Halloween fun and prizes over the coming weeks. 🎃
Look for the Halloween riddle in general chat… The first 50 users to respond with the correct emoji will move on to the next round, collecting a special Discord role and gaining access to an especially spooky secret channel! 👻
In a huge leap forward toward operator freedom and control, Gala Founder’s Nodes can now be tokenized on GalaChain and transferred from one user to another.
Founder’s Node Licenses
Until now, Founder’s Node ownership has been tied to an account-locked license to both operate a node and receive rewards for doing so. Users of the Gala ecosystem can purchase Nodes for their account, but there has never been any way to transfer Founder’s Node licenses to other users in the ecosystem.
In April 2023, Founder’s Node operators approved a proposal to move toward tokenization of Founder’s Nodes, promising an eventual path to transferability of Node licenses.
As the culmination of several months of hard work from our platform, legal and node teams, this update makes that proposal a reality.
How It Works
Nodes as GalaChain Allowances
All Founder’s Node licenses will be issued as GalaChain allowances within the licensed account. Therefore, the node owner will have the ability to redeem their Node NFT onto GalaChain. At the time of this blog’s publication, the process of issuing Founder’s Nodes as GalaChain allowances is already underway. It will be completed within the next couple days.
Once a Founder’s Node has been redeemed onto GalaChain, it is a token in the user’s account. However, it is not yet transferable.
Whether the Founder’s Node exists as a GalaChain allowance or a redeemed NFT, it can still be online and participate in the daily $GALA distribution until marked as transfer-ready.
Making a Node “Transfer-Ready”
Once a node license has been tokenized (redeemed as an NFT), it can then be made transfer-ready for a fee, payable in $GALA by the owner.
Once a node has been made transfer-ready, it is no longer eligible for the daily distribution of $GALA until it is reactivated. Once it is transfer ready, the node license can be transferred from the owner’s Inventory to any other GalaChain wallet.
Associated Fees
There are several different fees involved with the Founder’s Node tokenization process that users should understand before they begin. All fees are payable in $GALA alone, and all spent $GALA is burned from circulating supply.
Redeem the NFT – A fee of $25 worth of $GALA is charged (in addition to the standard GalaChain transaction fee) when an owner redeems their GalaChain allowance as an NFT on GalaChain.
Making the NFT Transfer-Ready – A fee equivalent to 60 days’ distribution reward* is charged for marking the NFT as transfer-ready. The exact amount of this fee is determined using the average distribution amount of the previous 7 days.
Reactivation Fee – A fee of $10 worth of $GALA is required for a new or existing owner to reactivate a Founder’s Node NFT, removing its transfer-readystatus and making it eligible once again for activity and $GALA reward distribution.
*60 days’ distribution $GALA equivalent is an introductory fee for this new feature and is subject to change.
FAQ
Why would someone want to transfer a Founder’s Node NFT?
The ability to tokenize and transfer Founder’s Nodes represents a new level of freedom for our community. This ability will ensure that we have an effective and reliable group of Founder’s Node operators powering the ecosystem, facilitating an exit for those who no longer wish to operate their nodes.
Where can I buy or sell Founder’s Node NFTs?
There is currently no official Gala-operated secondary market where Founder’s Nodes can be bought or sold, but the beta version of the community-built secondary market at NFT Harbor is prepared to facilitate buying or selling Founder’s Node license NFTs.
Can Founder’s Node NFTs be bridged to Ethereum?
Founder’s Node NFTs are NOT bridgeable to Ethereum. It is possible (but not guaranteed) that this function will be added in the future.
Why is there a fee for making my Founder’s Node NFT transfer-ready?
It should be considered carefully – This fee signifies that while transfer of Founder’s Nodes is accessible, the decision to do so should not be taken lightly. As the backbone of our ecosystem, we value reliability and consistency in our Founder’s Node operators. We strive to have a steadfast and community-driven group of dedicated owners.
$GALA is burned for ecosystem health – 100% of$GALA spent on associated fees is burned from circulating supply, a supportive activity that encourages the long-term health and stability of the Gala ecosystem.
Not meant for speculation – Without a transfer-ready fee, Founder’s Node tokens run the risk of becoming a speculative item whose prices can be manipulated by those who do not recognize Founder’s Nodes for their correct purpose. Part of the transfer-ready fee’s role is to discourage irresponsible speculative trading behaviors, as Gala Founder’s Nodes are not investments.
What can I expect in terms of secondary market value?
We cannot make any predictions or offer any advice about secondary market prices. An important part of the freedom incorporated with this update is a free market for pricing when it comes to secondary market sales.
Can a transferred Founder’s Node NFT be recovered in the event of a mistake?
No, once transferred, the legal right to operate the node is the new owner’s and your node cannot be recovered.
Can Founder’s Nodes still be purchased in the primary sale?
Yes, Founder’s Nodes are still available HERE. GalaChain allowances will be granted for all new Founder’s Nodes purchased in the primary sale going forward.
Can my Founder’s Node be transfer-ready and online at the same time?
No, when your Founder’s Node is transfer-ready it cannot be operated, nor is it eligible for $GALA distribution. Common Ground World Node operators should note that even though all Common Ground World Nodes will now be marked “Transfer-Ready,” they are still eligible for rewards.
I made my node transfer-ready then decided to start operating it again. Will my transfer-ready fee be refunded?
No, the transfer-ready fee is non-refundable. Additionally, to reactivate your Founder’s Node NFT, you must pay the reactivation fee.
I transfer my node NFT to an accountless web3 wallet and I can’t see the NFT in my inventory.
In order to use your node, it must be in the wallet associated with your Gala account. If you send it to any other wallet, you won’t be able to use it until you send it back to your Gala account’s wallet address which you can copy after clicking your profile image in the top right on games.gala.com.
