Ethereum’s ‘Endgame’: Scaling, Rollups, and Base Layer Plans

• Ethereum researchers discuss scaling, Layer 1 revenue, and security in a Reddit AMA session.
• The upcoming Pectra upgrade aims to improve ETH’s data availability and transaction efficiency.
• EF researchers propose native rollups to enhance scalability and reduce reliance on Layer 2 solutions.

Ethereum Foundation researchers held a discussion on the future of the blockchain. Vitalik Buterin, Justin Drake, and Dankrad Feist participated in the AMA on Reddit. The discussion focused on scaling, Layer 1 revenue, and security improvements. It took place as Ethereum faced competition from Layer 2 networks.

Aya Miyaguchi, the former Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation, is stepping up as the organization’s new president. The announcement marks a leadership shift aimed at strengthening Ethereum’s long-term vision.

One major topic in the discussion was the upcoming Pectra upgrade. This is Ethereum’s biggest update since the Dencun fork and its shift to proof-of-stake. Justin Drake confirmed the first phase will roll out in the coming months. To prepare, the Foundation launched a $2 million bug bounty program which will run until March 24.

Researchers also discussed Ethereum’s economic model. Many believe the base layer should reclaim revenue from Layer 2 networks. Buterin said Ethereum must prioritize neutrality and security over corporate influence. He warned about risks from staking providers and Layer 2 dominance.

Ethereum’s scaling plans were also highlighted during the AMA session. The Pectra update will double blob transactions per block from three to six. Blobs store transaction data to reduce costs for Layer 2s. Drake said this change will lower fees and improve data availability. Some in the community advocate for increasing the blob base fee, but Ethereum researchers argue that doing so would restrict future growth. An Ethereum Improvement Proposal, EIP-7762, is considering this change.

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Ethereum researchers Dankrad Feist and Drake emphasized the need to maximize data availability revenue. Feist suggested that Ethereum should charge fees wherever possible to strengthen its economic model. Meanwhile, Drake projected that within the next decade, Ethereum could process up to 10 million transactions per second. He said even at $0.001 per transaction, Ethereum could generate $1 billion in daily revenue.

In the discussion, researchers also explored the concept of native rollups. These rollups would integrate directly with Ethereum instead of functioning as separate Layer 2s. Drake said major rollups, including Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base, have shown interest in becoming native.

Ansgar Dietrichs emphasized the benefits of Ethereum’s rollup-centric roadmap. He said competition among teams has driven rapid innovation, yet interoperability and user experience challenges remain. Researchers believe continued incremental improvements will shape Ethereum’s future.

Buterin concluded that Ethereum’s development pace has slowed compared to five years ago. He said this shift allows for careful long-term planning. Ethereum’s researchers believe the blockchain is approaching a stable and scalable “endgame.”

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