In a recent blog post, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed strong disapproval of the growing trend of launching similar EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) chains that lack originality. This observation highlights a concerning reliance on replicating existing models rather than fostering true innovation within the blockchain ecosystem.
Buterin pointed out that the industry has seen an influx of nearly indistinguishable EVM-based networks, often accompanied by superficial connections to Ethereum. He emphasized that the current landscape should not simply consist of yet another chain that aims to establish a bridge to Ethereum. Instead, he advocates for a shift towards chains that introduce meaningful advancements.
Drawing parallels to the early days of decentralized finance (DeFi), Buterin noted the detrimental impact of repeated protocol forks, which stifled genuine creativity. He stated that this trend has “sapped imagination” within the infrastructure development space, leading to stagnation. According to him, the ecosystem is already well-equipped with Ethereum“s base layer, which is scaling effectively to support a diverse range of applications.
In his critique, Buterin called out projects that tout their connection to Ethereum while offering only limited involvement. He urged developers to focus on creating systems that provide genuinely new capabilities rather than relying on association for marketing purposes.
Moreover, Buterin has been vocal about decision-making processes within the Ethereum community. He previously advocated for a shift from informal governance toward more structured models that enhance accountability. In tandem with his critiques, Buterin is collaborating with early Ethereum contributors on a security initiative aimed at repurposing $220 million in funds that have remained locked since the 2016 TheDAO hack. This initiative seeks to transform these idle assets into a dedicated security fund, further underscoring the need for innovation and progress in the Ethereum ecosystem.
