Vitalik: New EVM Chains Should Innovate and Truly Rely on Ethereum, Avoid Blind Copying

Odaily News Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin stated in a post, "Currently, many newly built EVM chains are simply copying existing architectures or connecting to Ethereum via an optimistic bridge with a one-week delay. This approach is similar to repeatedly copying Compound in governance. While it may feel 'comfortable,' it depletes innovation in the long run, leading the ecosystem into a dead end. If a new chain is not connected to Ethereum via an optimistic bridge (i.e., a pure alternative L1), the situation is even worse. What the ecosystem truly needs are projects that can bring new features, such as privacy protection, application-specific efficiency, or ultra-low latency."

"The form of 'Ethereum connection' must match the actual functionality. For example, prediction market applications can issue and settle markets, manage user accounts on L1, but trade execution occurs on some Rollup or L2-like system, with signatures and market states verified via L1. Architectures deeply connected to L1 should be prioritized, rather than superficial bridging for recognition. Another type of 'app chain' can verify algorithm execution on government, social media, or gaming platforms, using technologies like STARK to ensure updates are authorized and executed according to pre-committed rules. While such chains are not entirely Ethereum, they can provide algorithmic transparency and minimize trust, enabling economic activities that were previously impossible."

New projects should achieve two things: First, genuinely bring innovation, not just copy existing EVM chains; Second, ensure their public image matches their actual functionality. The degree of connection to Ethereum claimed by a project should truthfully reflect its technical and ecosystem dependencies, ensuring ecosystem interoperability and long-term value."