Optimism, the provider of Ethereum scaling solutions, is aiming to enhance its blockchain throughput by introducing layer-3 applications to the OP Stack. On May 8, the Optimism team announced that they are inviting layer-3s to join the Superchain, where they can build on the OP Stack and share revenue with the Optimism Collective. The OP Stack, which powers development on the Superchain, is an open standard codebase that is not limited to L2 chain deployers and app builders but can also be utilized by an ecosystem of L3s.
The Optimism Superchain is a network of layer-2 chains called OP Chains, which share security, communication layers, and open-source technology. Layer-3s that join the Superchain will have access to benefits such as eligibility for retro funding, airdrops, and developer grant programs. However, there may be limitations on certain features like interoperability. Layer-3 protocols are built on top of layer-2s to host application-specific decentralized applications, offering improved solutions for scaling, performance, interoperability, customization, and costs.
To support L3 builders, the OP Stack is introducing two key features: custom gas tokens and “Plasma Mode.” Custom gas tokens allow developers to use a layer-2 token as the native gas token for a layer-3 protocol, reducing onboarding costs. Plasma Mode is an alternative to the data availability layer, which can lower the fixed overhead cost of operating an L3 compared to an L2. Data availability refers to the ability of network participants to access and verify the data stored on the blockchain.
The goal of these additions is to make the Optimism Superchain more accessible to developers by offering layer-3 features and functionality. However, not everyone agrees that L3 is the way forward for Ethereum scaling. Polygon CEO Marc Boiron argued in April that layer-3 networks were unnecessary and could pose security risks by capturing value from the Ethereum network. Boiron reiterated his stance on May 9, stating that “L3s are worse than L2s.” Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin commented in late 2022 that L3s would serve a different purpose to scaling by providing customized functionality.
Optimism’s rollup-based solution, OP Mainnet, is currently the second largest layer-2 network with a total value locked of $6.76 billion, giving it a market share of around 18%.