Are There ‘Too Many Layer 2s’ Blockchain Infrastructures?

Breitman has long been vocal about blockchain scalability and governance, often emphasizing efficient, cohesive systems over fragmented ones. In the context of “too many Layer 2s,” he likely argued that the proliferation of L2 solutions—secondary frameworks built on top of base blockchains like Ethereum to improve scalability—creates fragmentation. This could degrade user experience due to interoperability issues, inconsistent security models, and diluted liquidity across numerous L2s.

Arthur Breitman from Tezos discussed whether there are too many Layer 2s, rollup designs, AI agents, and meme coins. Arthur shared insightful comments for Ethereum developers, advising, “So my advice to the Ethereum ecosystem: Align on a canonical Ethereum rollup and draw from the best optimistic designs. Don’t wait for ZK.” He also shared his thoughts on AI agents, stating, “People are making a big deal about using AI agents. It’s fun, but people are trying to make it a new paradigm—they are way too overhyped compared to what we’re building.” Finally, he wrapped up the talk with a take on meme coin hype, saying, “A lot of coins are meme coins by definition. They are fun, but don’t pretend that they are more than that.

Tezos itself has focused on integrating rollups (a type of L2 solution) directly into its protocol, such as its “smart rollups,” which are designed to enhance throughput while maintaining decentralization and security. Breitman might have critiqued the Ethereum ecosystem’s approach, where dozens of independent rollups compete, suggesting instead that “enshrined monoliths”—core functions baked into the base layer—could unify and streamline blockchain operations.

On rollup designs, Breitman’s perspective likely draws from Tezos’ innovations. Tezos uses optimistic rollups, which process transactions off-chain and assume they’re valid unless proven otherwise, contrasting with zero-knowledge rollups that rely on cryptographic proofs. He might have discussed how Tezos’ “enshrined” rollups, integrated into the Layer 1 protocol, avoid the pitfalls of external L2s by leveraging the main chain’s security and governance. This could tie into his case for monoliths, where critical infrastructure isn’t outsourced to a patchwork of L2s but centralized in a robust, adaptable base layer.

The inclusion of AI Agents in his talk suggests a forward-looking angle. AI agents—autonomous programs executing tasks on-chain—could benefit from a monolithic design where data availability and computation are handled seamlessly at the base layer. Fragmented L2s might complicate their deployment, requiring cross-chain coordination that slows performance or increases costs. Breitman, with his background in computer science, might see AI as a key use case that demands scalability and coherence, areas where he believes Tezos excels.

At their core, AI agents are programs infused with AI capabilities—think machine learning, natural language processing, or decision-making algorithms. They’re designed to act independently based on predefined goals or learned behaviors. In everyday life, you might recognize simpler versions like chatbots or virtual assistants like Siri. In blockchain, AI agents take this further by executing tasks in a trustless, decentralized environment, often tied to smart contracts.

As for meme coins, their mention could be a nod to their cultural and economic impact on blockchains. These tokens thrive on hype and community engagement, often straining networks with high transaction volumes. Breitman might have used them as an example of why fragmented L2s struggle—meme coin trading could clog disparate rollups, whereas a monolithic system with high throughput (like Tezos’ goal of millions of transactions per second via rollups) could handle such loads efficiently. Alternatively, he might view them skeptically, questioning their value in a fragmented ecosystem versus a unified one focused on utility.

Breitman likely argued that the explosion of Layer 2s and varied rollup designs fragments blockchain ecosystems, harming user experience and security. He’d advocate for Tezos’ approach: a scalable, self-amending Layer 1 with enshrined rollups, capable of supporting emerging trends like AI agents and even meme coins, without the chaos of “too many L2s.” His vision seems to prioritize cohesion and adaptability—hallmarks of Tezos’ design philosophy—over the current trend of decentralized, competing L2 solutions.