Andre Cronje Slams Layer-2 Appchains: Are They Worth the Cost?

• Andre Cronje criticizes layer-2 appchains for high infrastructure costs, limiting developer focus, and stifling innovation.
• Hilmar Orth argues that rollup-as-a-service providers simplify infrastructure, making appchains more accessible for builders.
• The debate on appchains reveals a split in the community, with some believing in collaboration while others see fierce competition.

In a recent post on X , Andre Cronje, co-founder of Sonic Labs, voiced strong criticism regarding layer-2 (L2) appchains. He argued that these chains are impractical for builders due to infrastructure challenges. 

Cronje highlighted issues like high costs, fragmented liquidity, and a lack of developer support. Consequently, he believes these obstacles hinder the adoption of appchains . His team’s infrastructure expenses have already soared to $14 million this year, illustrating the financial burden on developers.

The Costly Reality of Appchains

Cronje stressed the high costs of deploying and maintaining appchains. Infrastructure expenses quickly add up, including regulatory compliance and Oracle integration. Moreover, many builders struggle to focus on developing core applications and engaging users. 

This situation leads to wasted resources and time, stifling innovation. Appchains also create liquidity fragmentation. This fragmentation forces liquidity onto centralized bridges, which are vulnerable to attacks. Hence, builders face substantial risks when utilizing these solutions.

Disagreement from Industry Peers

In response, Hilmar Orth, founder of Gelato Network, disagreed with Cronje’s assessment. Orth noted that infrastructure is now accessible via rollup-as-a-service (RaaS) providers. This accessibility allows developers to avoid building from scratch. Additionally, Orth argued that support for appchains is readily available, countering Cronje’s concerns about isolation.

Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, introduced the AggLayer as a potential solution. He suggested that it could create an interoperable network of appchains . This approach aims to mitigate liquidity issues by making appchain interactions more fungible.

Community Dynamics and Network Effects

Cronje also pointed out the absence of a user and builder community surrounding L2 appchains. He believed that this absence diminishes the essential network effects required for growth. However, Boiron countered that community dynamics are vibrant. 

He highlighted that numerous contributors are actively working to expand the AggLayer ecosystem . Orth supported this perspective, asserting that builders often compete against each other rather than collaborate. This reality raises questions about the true nature of community support in the appchain landscape.

The ongoing debate between Cronje, Orth, and Boiron reflects a critical examination of the L2 appchain model. As the discussion continues, the industry watches closely to see how these dynamics evolve.