Sei Network Eyes Ethereum Exclusivity: What It Means for Developers and DeFi

Sei Network Proposes Pivot to Ethereum: A Strategic Shift

In a bold move to streamline its blockchain operations, Sei Network has proposed dropping support for Cosmos in favor of focusing exclusively on Ethereum compatibility. The proposal, introduced by Philip Su, Engineering Lead at Sei Labs, aims to simplify the blockchain’s architecture, reduce infrastructure overhead, and position Sei as a stronger player within the Ethereum ecosystem.

“This transition will lead to greater adoption, improved developer experience, and a more cohesive community,” Su stated in the proposal. The decision underscores the growing competition among blockchain platforms to attract developers and expand their ecosystems.

Why Ethereum? The Case for EVM Dominance

Ethereum’s infrastructure, powered by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), has become the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi). Major blockchains like Coinbase’s Base and Binance’s BNB Chain also rely on EVM, making it the go-to choice for developers. By contrast, Cosmos operates on its own software, CosmWasm, which has seen slower adoption.

Sei’s dual support for both EVM and CosmWasm initially provided flexibility but introduced significant complexity. According to Su, this dual architecture created “unnecessary overhead in the codebase and complicated debugging and testing.” Data from Sei Labs shows that new users overwhelmingly prefer EVM over CosmWasm, further justifying the proposed shift.

The Impact on Cosmos and DeFi Growth

If the proposal is approved, it could deal a blow to CosmWasm’s adoption. However, Barry Plunkett, co-CEO of Interchain Labs, emphasized that Sei would still retain some Cosmos features, such as staking and governance. “Even if Sei cuts Cosmos support, it is still a Cosmos-based blockchain,” Plunkett noted.

Sei’s growth trajectory has been impressive since its 2023 launch. Total deposits in DeFi apps on the network recently hit an all-time high of $1 billion, making it the 15th largest blockchain by total value locked, according to DefiLlama. This growth accelerated after Sei introduced EVM support in July 2024, which attracted a larger pool of developers and investors.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

The proposal has sparked debate within the Sei community. While some see it as a necessary step to enhance usability and adoption, others worry about the potential loss of flexibility. To address these concerns, the nonprofit Sei Foundation will host a community call on May 14 to discuss the proposal in detail and gather feedback from developers and users.

The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for other blockchains navigating the trade-offs between flexibility and simplicity. As the blockchain space continues to evolve, Sei’s pivot to Ethereum could serve as a case study in strategic adaptation.

Why It Matters

Sei’s potential shift to Ethereum exclusivity highlights the growing dominance of EVM in the blockchain ecosystem. For developers, this move could mean easier integration and a more streamlined experience. For investors, it signals Sei’s commitment to scaling its DeFi ecosystem. As the blockchain landscape becomes increasingly competitive, decisions like these will shape the future of decentralized finance and the broader crypto industry.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice; AI was used to assist in content creation.