Overview
Gravity is a Layer 2 blockchain developed by the Galxe team (formerly Project Galaxy), one of the largest Web3 credential and loyalty platforms. It launched as an omnichain settlement layer using a hybrid OP+ZK approach — optimistic execution for speed with ZK proofs for cross-chain verification. The G token (formerly GAL) migrated at a 1:120 ratio to serve as the native gas and governance token.
Technology
- Hybrid OP+ZK: Optimistic execution with ZK proofs for cross-chain settlement
- Omnichain Settlement: Aggregates activity from multiple source chains
- EVM-Compatible: Standard Solidity smart contract support
- Performance: ~1 second blocks, sub-cent gas costs
The OP+ZK hybrid is architecturally interesting but novel and unproven at scale. The deep integration with Galxe's credential system provides a built-in use case, but EVM compatibility alone does not differentiate from dozens of other L2s.
Security
Gravity uses optimistic execution with ZK proof generation for cross-chain message verification, relying on Ethereum for data availability. The sequencer is centralized (Galxe team), and upgrade mechanisms are team-controlled. As a new chain, the operational security track record is limited, though the team's experience running Galxe provides credibility.
Decentralization
The sequencer is centralized, upgrades are team-controlled, and governance mechanisms are nascent. The roadmap includes progressive decentralization, but concrete timelines are limited. Comparable to most new L2s in their early stages.
Ecosystem
Gravity's primary advantage is Galxe's millions of users completing quests and earning credentials. Beyond Galxe-native applications, the independent DeFi ecosystem is early stage with growing DEX and lending presence. The challenge is converting Galxe quest users (often airdrop farmers) into genuine ecosystem participants.
Tokenomics
- Symbol: G (formerly GAL)
- Total Supply: 12 billion G
- Utility: Gas fees, governance, staking
- Revenue: Sequencer revenue accrues to the protocol
The GAL → G migration expanded supply 120x while maintaining proportional ownership. Fee economics depend on sustained transaction volume, currently driven primarily by Galxe quest activity.
Risk Factors
- Galxe dependency: Success is tightly coupled to Galxe's continued growth
- Quest user quality: Many users are airdrop farmers, not genuine participants
- Centralized operations: Sequencer and upgrades controlled by the team
- Early-stage technology: Hybrid OP+ZK approach is unproven at scale
- L2 competition: Saturated market with dozens of competing L2s
Conclusion
Gravity has a meaningful advantage most L2s lack: a built-in user base of millions through Galxe. The hybrid architecture is technically interesting, and the identity/cross-chain focus provides differentiation. However, success is fundamentally tied to Galxe's trajectory and whether quest-driven activity translates to sustainable economic activity. Promising start, but dependency risk is real.