## Vitalik Buterin Addresses Concerns Over Ethereum’s Stance on Blockchain Gaming
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently shared his thoughts on the criticisms aimed at Ethereum regarding its approach to blockchain-based gaming applications. During a Wednesday AMA session on the chat app Tako, Buterin responded to user Mable Jiang’s question about moments in the past year that left him feeling frustrated or disappointed with the Ethereum Foundation, its community, or the broader industry. Jiang also inquired if he had ever contemplated taking a break.
In his response, Buterin expressed his disappointment, particularly regarding the notion that Ethereum is “bad and intolerant” for not being as open to blockchain casinos as other networks. “Perhaps the most disappointing thing for me recently was when someone said that Ethereum is bad and intolerant because we don’t respect the ‘casinos’ on the blockchain enough, and other chains are happy to accept any application, so they are better,” he stated.
Despite some occasional frustrations expressed online, Buterin emphasized that he finds solace in his personal interactions with the Ethereum community, which largely remains dedicated to the platform’s foundational values. “I have a responsibility to this community and cannot abandon them. We Ethereum need to work together to create the world we want to see,” he added.
Buterin also proposed potential strategic shifts to improve the network, highlighting the need for structural enhancements and increased decentralization within the Ethereum Foundation. He noted that the foundation, currently facing criticism for its perceived lack of neutrality, might need to adopt a less neutral stance at the application layer and take a more proactive role in supporting specific initiatives. “This will require some changes,” he stated, adding, “But this project is worth doing.”
Notably, Buterin’s comments come amid an ongoing discussion in the blockchain space about finding a balance between ethical considerations and open access. Some networks, like Solana, have adopted a more permissive approach, welcoming applications from various sectors, including gambling and speculative ventures. However, this openness has also resulted in notable failures, such as the collapse of LIBRA, a meme coin on the Solana network. Recently, LIBRA’s downfall wiped out $4.5 billion in investor funds and caused a 15% drop in Solana’s value.
In contrast, Ethereum has consistently positioned itself as a network focused on decentralization, innovation, and long-term sustainability. These attributes have drawn institutional interest, with entities like BlackRock launching tokenized investment funds on the Ethereum network.
Beyond his frustrations, Buterin remains actively involved in Ethereum’s evolution, particularly in enhancing its scalability through Layer 2 (L2) solutions. In January, he reaffirmed Ethereum’s commitment to scaling via L2s, identifying key challenges such as insufficient space for BLOB objects and L2 heterogeneity. He also detailed upcoming upgrades, including the Pectra upgrade.
