Layer 1 blockchain SKALE taps Layer 2 Base for AI-focused Layer 3

Layer 1 blockchain SKALE has tapped Layer 2 Base to launch an Ethereum Layer 3. 

The network, called SKALE on Base, is “purpose-built for agent workloads,” particularly the Coinbase-incubated x402 payments protocol designed for AIs, according to a project representative. 

“Agents need better blockspace to run onchain,” the rep told The Block in a direct message. “SKALE Expand allows for the SKALE Manager — the core smart contracts that facilitate SKALE Chains — to be deployed on any EVM blockchain, bringing SKALE’s gasless transactions, instant finality, and privacy to other EVM ecosystems.”

SKALE on Base allows agents to take advantage of SKALE’s scalable infrastructure and Base’s liquidity, users, onramps, and distribution. Earlier this year, for instance, SKALE released its BITE Protocol, a system designed to prevent malicious MEV attacks like front-running, sandwich attacks, and sniping. 

The network will also introduce a credit system for compute resources, a system that agents and AI users are “familiar” with, which means agents and users will never have to manage gas while using onchain apps. Users can pre-pay for credits on Base using USDC or SKL.

L3s add customized functionality that L2s alone don’t provide efficiently, while inheriting the security and liquidity of their parent base layer. 

The launch on Tuesday represents the first deployment of the SKALE Expand multi-chain initiative. The idea is to turn SKALE into “an agent layer that can sit behind multiple L1s and L2s while keeping users and liquidity on their home chains.”

“The goal is simple: give agents a consistent environment everywhere they operate, instead of forcing them to relearn gas models and UX on every chain,” SKALE wrote. “As SKALE Expand rolls out to more chains, the same agent code and x402 flows can run across many blockchain ecosystems with a unified execution environment.”

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