How Does SKALE Have Zero Gas Fees? (2024)

The Problem with Gas Fees

Gas fees are a fundamental aspect of how blockchains work, acting as a necessary mechanism for transaction processing and network security. However, as the blockchain space evolves, the traditional model of gas fees is increasingly becoming a barrier to widespread adoption and user experience. Users accustomed to the seamless user experience of Web2 find the concept of paying for every interaction within a blockchain environment, no matter how small, both alien and frustrating. Gas fees also disrupt the user experience. They require users to acquire some specific blockchain gas tokens, delaying the onboarding process.

This is where SKALE's innovative approach comes into play, offering zero gas fee architecture that addresses the issue at its core, thereby enhancing the blockchain experience for developers and users alike.

How SKALE Users Enjoy Zero Gas Fees: The Chain Subscription Model

Always Free Transactions For Users

SKALE is able to provide a gas-free experience to end-users thanks to the revolutionary chain subscription model. This model involves SKALE AppChain deployers paying a monthly flat fee to validators, determined by the resources required by each chain. Because validator rewards are coming from the dApp deployers, users are relieved of the burden of gas fees, and can enjoy always free transactions! This also provides developers with a predictable cost structure that facilitates strategic planning and growth

Predictable Economic Model

In traditional business operations, overhead costs are predictable, allowing for effective budgeting and financial forecasting. The SKALE chain subscription model introduces a similar concept to blockchain, offering developers a stable overhead cost. This stability is a significant advantage over the fluctuating transaction fees found on other networks, enabling more accurate financial planning and resource allocation.

Furthermore, chain fees also create a new revenue stream for validators. The goal is for these fees to become the primary source of income for validators, thereby reducing the reliance on SKL inflation to distribute them rewards.

How dApps Leverage SKALE’s Zero Gas Fee Model

Developers can spin up a dedicated SKALE Chain leveraging the network's zero-gas fee model to offer unparalleled user experiences. This feature is particularly advantageous for high-throughput projects like AI and Gaming applications, where the volume of transactions can be very high, and cost prohibitive on other blockchains.

Take AI applications, for instance, which require executing millions of transactions to fully operate on-chain. Even minimal fees can accumulate to prohibitive sums on other networks. In contrast, SKALE maintains transaction costs at zero, enabling businesses to forecast growth without the burden of unexpected fees. Thanks to SKALE, AI-based dApp, Exorde Labs , has saved more than $100,000,000 over using other blockchains.

For blockchain games, the focus is squarely on user experience. Gamers are indifferent to the underlying technology, whether web2 or web3. Their priority is engaging and enjoyable gameplay. Gas fees can interrupt this experience, posing a significant barrier to adoption, especially for non-crypto-native users unfamiliar with the concept of gas fees. This not only hinders user experience but also restricts the game's potential for growth.

What is sFUEL?

While SKALE operates on a zero-gas model, it's important to clarify that it doesn't mean there's no gas involved. The distinction lies in SKALE's use of a free gas token, SKALE FUEL (or sFuel), which plays a critical role in maintaining chain security and mitigating risks such as DDoS and MEV attacks. A network without any gas would be vulnerable to abuse by malicious actors flooding the system with transactions, compromising its stability and security. sFuel's limited availability is another strategic measure to prevent such scenarios.

sFUEL is distributed automatically by dApps via account abstraction mechanisms, or can manually be obtained at any time via the sFUEL station.

SKALE's Vision for an Invisible Blockchain Experience

As we look into the future, SKALE's zero-gas model is the core pillar in realizing the vision of an invisible blockchain experience. This approach is key to onboarding a diverse range of applications on the blockchain, such as games and AI platforms. For users, the seamless integration of blockchain mechanisms is crucial as they seek fluid, intuitive interactions without the underlying complexities. For developers, SKALE provides a sustainable model that aligns with long-term growth and planning allowing builders to transition smoothly onto the blockchain. SKALE is setting the stage for a future where blockchain applications are as ubiquitous and user-friendly as their web2 counterparts. By fostering an environment where the blockchain is felt, not seen, SKALE is finally empowering this technology to truly onboard the next billion users.

About SKALE

SKALE is the world's fastest blockchain, designed for fast, secure, user-centric Ethereum scaling. SKALE chains offer zero gas fees to end-users and have advanced features such as AI/ML smart contracts, on-chain file storage, interchain messaging, zero-cost minting, and enhanced security features.

The SKALE Network enables developers to deploy their own EVM blockchain in minutes without sacrificing speed, security, or decentralization. Welcome to the SKALEverse.

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