The race for supremacy among Ethereum layer-2 networks is heating up, leading users to raise questions about the unique features, use cases, and strategies employed by each network to attract more Web3 users. In this episode of Hashing It Out, Cartesi co-founders Colin Steil and Erick de Moura discuss the significance of app-specific rollup protocols with Elisha Owusu Akyaw (GhCryptoGuy). The Cartesi team introduces their network as a solution to the limitations of computational scalability and programmability. Their approach allows developers to establish exclusive rollup chains tailored to their applications, thereby addressing scalability challenges encountered during peak periods. By delving into the utility and importance of app-specific rollups, De Moura sheds light on the critical issues associated with scalability and user acquisition.
When multiple apps compete for block space and numerous users vie for transaction inclusion within the sequencer or the blockchain, fees tend to skyrocket and become unpredictable. This predicament occurs because all applications and users share the same rollup or block space. Consequently, gaining and retaining users becomes exceedingly challenging for certain applications. De Moura emphasizes that users are only willing to pay exorbitant fees for specific applications. He highlights games as an example, noting that most of the functionalities occur off-chain, with only the game economy operating on-chain. Therefore, deploying games in an environment where scalability issues persist is undesirable as it adversely affects the user experience and hampers mass adoption.
In contrast to the multitude of layer-2 protocols on the Ethereum blockchain, the Cartesi team argues that there is an oversupply of such protocols. However, they believe this oversaturation will only be temporary. As specific protocols gain traction and create network effects, the majority of users will flock to these networks, leaving less popular protocols behind. By emphasizing the importance of network effects, Cartesi suggests that users are driven towards layer-2 networks that offer superior scalability, transaction speeds, and cost-efficiency. This migration towards more efficient and user-friendly networks is anticipated to reshape the landscape of layer-2 solutions on Ethereum, ultimately benefitting developers and end-users alike.
App-specific rollup protocols play a pivotal role in addressing the scalability challenges faced by Ethereum and its layer-2 networks. By permitting developers to create exclusive rollup chains tailored to their applications, scalability limitations can be effectively overcome. The utility of app-specific rollups is particularly significant as it ensures better user experiences, reduces fees, and enables the wider adoption of blockchain-based applications. Moreover, the proliferation of layer-2 networks on Ethereum is poised to undergo a transformative phase, with specific protocols attracting the majority of users due to their network effects and improved performance. As the race for dominance continues, the Ethereum ecosystem is on the brink of witnessing the emergence of highly efficient and user-centric layer-2 solutions that will shape the future of decentralized applications.
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