• Optimism is introducing custom gas tokens and Plasma Mode to streamline the onboarding process for L3 builders.
  • Custom gas tokens allow developers to use a L2 token as the native gas token for an L3 protocol, while Plasma Mode reduces the fixed overhead cost of operating an L3 protocol.

Ethereum scaling solution provider Optimism is launching two new features to support the integration of layer-3 (L3) builders into its Superchain network.

The forthcoming features — custom gas tokens and Plasma Mode — aim to simplify the onboarding process for L3s using the OP Stack and promote collaboration within the Optimism ecosystem.

In the final stages of development, custom gas tokens allow developers to use a layer-2 (L2) token as the native gas token for an L3 protocol, reducing onboarding costs by eliminating the need for costly transactions between layers. 

Plasma Mode, on the other hand, is an alternative to the data availability layer, reducing the fixed overhead cost of operating an L3 protocol compared to an L2 protocol.

The Optimism Superchain consists of L2 chains called OP Chains, sharing security, communication layers, and open-source technology.

L3 protocols, built on top of L2s, offer benefits such as retro funding, airdrops, and developer grant programs, with some limitations on features like interoperability. They host application-specific decentralized applications, enhancing scaling, performance, interoperability, customization, and cost-effectiveness.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah