Vitalik Buterin Criticizes New EVM Chains for Lack of Innovation

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed concerns over the proliferation of new EVM chains that merely replicate existing architectures. According to Odaily, Buterin argues that many of these chains connect to Ethereum through optimistic bridges with a week's delay, akin to replicating Compound's governance. While this approach may seem convenient, it ultimately stifles innovation and leads the ecosystem into a dead end. The situation worsens if new chains do not connect to Ethereum's optimistic bridge, acting purely as alternative L1s. The ecosystem, Buterin suggests, requires projects that introduce new features such as privacy protection, application-specific efficiency, or ultra-low latency. Buterin emphasizes that the form of 'Ethereum connection' must align with actual functionality. For instance, prediction market applications can issue and settle markets on L1 and manage user accounts, but trade execution should occur on a Rollup or L2 system, with L1 verifying signatures and market status. Deep integration with L1 architecture should be prioritized over superficial bridging for recognition. Another type of 'application chain' could verify algorithm execution in government, social media, or gaming platforms, using technologies like STARK to ensure updates are authorized and executed according to pre-committed rules. Although not entirely Ethereum-based, these chains can offer algorithm transparency and minimize trust, enabling previously impossible economic activities. New projects should achieve two main objectives: first, genuinely innovate rather than merely replicate existing EVM chains; second, ensure that public relations align with actual functionality. The claimed level of connection to Ethereum should accurately reflect the project's technical and ecological dependencies, ensuring ecosystem interoperability and long-term value.