SEI Labs, the core development team behind the SEI blockchain, proposes fundamental changes in the architecture of networks that eliminate the support of COSMOS transactions and COSMWASM contracts.
Instead, the team plans to move entirely to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible framework, claiming that the move will simplify blockchain and improve the developer experience.
Jay Jog, co-founder of SEI Labs, noted that most of the network’s current activity already focuses on using EVMs. He emphasized that the proposal, known as SIP-3, is a deliberate effort to align the SEI and where its ecosystem is heading.
With this in mind, jogging described the transition as a necessary step to building Sei Giga, a scalable blockchain focused on performance and ease of use. He added that narrowing the focus of SEI to a single virtual machine improves throughput and removes unnecessary architectural complexity.
Following the announcement of the proposal, SEI’s token price rose 7% to $0.20, reflecting the market’s positive sentiment for potential upgrades.
SEI’s EVM Dream
SIP-3 will make SEI an EVM-only blockchain and phase out all support for Cosmos-based features. This change streamlines transactional systems and integrates smart contract development under a single standard.
SEI Labs argues that this is a forward-looking move designed to reduce operational overhead and establish a more cohesive development environment.
The team hopes that the move will allow SEI to better integrate into the broader Ethereum ecosystem and attract more developers in search of performance and simplicity.
On the other hand, this architectural change requires coordination from the infrastructure provider and developer.
Existing wallets, DAPPs, and services in a blockchain network must shift to EVM compatible formats and relocate applications built on COSMWASM.
Additionally, asset owners in networks using the Cosmos-Native tool may need to migrate or off-ramp their holdings.
Team added:
“SEI addresses may continue to be used internally by protocols (such as validator addresses), and core functions such as staking and governance are available through plexaman.”