Beam

Introduction to Beam

Beam is a gaming-focused blockchain built as an Avalanche subnet, designed specifically for web3 gaming applications. Launched by Merit Circle DAO (now Beam DAO), the chain provides gaming developers with specialized infrastructure including low fees, fast transactions, and gaming-native features.

The project represents the gaming-focused evolution of Merit Circle, which started as a gaming guild and DAO before recognizing the need for dedicated gaming infrastructure. Beam aims to be the go-to chain for web3 game developers seeking optimized blockchain technology.

Gaming-Optimized Infrastructure

Why Gaming Needs Special Chains

Standard blockchain limitations:

• High fees for frequent transactions
• Slow confirmation times
• Poor UX for gamers
• Not designed for gaming patterns

Beam’s Solutions

Gaming optimizations:

• Low transaction fees
• Fast confirmations
• Gaming SDKs
• Smooth onboarding

Avalanche Subnet Architecture

Technical foundation:

• Sovereign blockchain
• Customizable parameters
• Avalanche security
• Interoperability

How Beam Works

Subnet Technology

Avalanche benefits:

• Independent state machine
• Custom fee structure
• Dedicated throughput
• Shared security options

EVM Compatibility

Developer accessibility:

• Solidity smart contracts
• EVM tooling works
• Easy migration
• Familiar development

Gaming Features

Purpose-built additions:

• NFT infrastructure
• Marketplace support
• Asset bridging
• Gaming SDKs

Technical Specifications

Metric	Value
Type	Avalanche Subnet
Consensus	Snowman (PoS)
EVM Compatible	Yes
Block Time	Fast
Gas Token	BEAM
Focus	Gaming

The BEAM Token

Origins

Token transition:

• Originally MC (Merit Circle)
• Rebranded to BEAM
• Governance migration
• New utility model

Utility

BEAM serves multiple purposes:

• Gas Fees: Transaction costs
• Governance: Protocol decisions
• Staking: Network participation
• Ecosystem: Gaming incentives

Tokenomics

Distribution:

• DAO treasury
• Ecosystem development
• Validator incentives
• Community allocation

Staking

Network participation:

• Proof of Stake consensus
• Validator operation
• Delegation available
• Reward earning

Gaming Ecosystem

Supported Games

Growing library:

• Various genres
• Indie and AAA
• Active and development
• Publisher partnerships

Developer Tools

Building support:

• Beam SDK
• Unity integration
• Unreal support
• API access

Sphere Marketplace

NFT trading:

• Game asset marketplace
• Cross-game trading
• Low-fee transactions
• Seamless integration

Merit Circle to Beam DAO

Evolution

Organizational changes:

• Started as gaming guild
• Scholarship programs
• Investment DAO
• Infrastructure focus

DAO Governance

Community control:

• Token holder voting
• Proposal system
• Treasury management
• Strategic direction

Focus Shift

Current priorities:

• Blockchain infrastructure
• Developer support
• Ecosystem growth
• Gaming partnerships

Competition and Positioning

vs. Other Gaming Chains

Chain	Architecture	Focus
Beam	Avalanche subnet	Gaming
Immutable	ZK Rollup	Gaming/NFT
Ronin	Sidechain	Gaming
Gala	Own chain	Gaming ecosystem

Differentiation

Key advantages:

• Avalanche technology
• DAO governance
• Gaming-focused design
• Strong treasury

Challenges

Competitive pressures:

• Multiple gaming chains
• Developer fragmentation
• Game success required
• Market timing

Avalanche Subnet Benefits

Technical Advantages

Architecture benefits:

• Customization flexibility
• Performance optimization
• Independent scaling
• Avalanche ecosystem access

Interoperability

Cross-chain capability:

• Bridge to Avalanche C-Chain
• Asset transfers
• Ecosystem connections
• Multi-chain gaming

Shared Infrastructure

Ecosystem resources:

• Validator availability
• Tooling compatibility
• Developer familiarity
• Security model

Challenges and Criticism

Game Dependency

Success requirements:

• Need compelling games
• Player acquisition critical
• Content pipeline
• Market timing

Competition

Market dynamics:

• Many gaming chain options
• Developer attention split
• Ecosystem fragmentation
• Winner-take-most dynamics

Early Stage

Development reality:

• Ecosystem building
• Adoption metrics
• Technical maturation
• Market proving

Recent Developments

Mainnet Operations

Network status:

• Fully operational
• Games deploying
• Transaction growth
• Infrastructure stability

Game Launches

Content progress:

• Active game deployments
• Partnership announcements
• Developer onboarding
• Ecosystem expansion

SDK Development

Developer tools:

• SDK improvements
• Documentation
• Integration support
• Developer experience

Future Roadmap

Development priorities:

• Games: More game launches
• Developers: Tool improvements
• Adoption: Player growth
• Ecosystem: Expanded services
• Infrastructure: Technical enhancements

Conclusion

Beam represents a focused bet on purpose-built gaming infrastructure, leveraging Avalanche’s subnet technology to create a chain optimized for web3 gaming. The transition from Merit Circle demonstrates adaptability and commitment to gaming infrastructure.

Success depends on attracting compelling games and developers who can deliver player experiences that justify blockchain integration. The DAO structure and treasury provide resources for ecosystem development.

For game developers seeking gaming-optimized EVM infrastructure with Avalanche technology and for the gaming-focused crypto community, Beam provides dedicated infrastructure. Long-term relevance depends on game quality and adoption in the competitive gaming chain landscape.