Deep Dive
1. Mandatory Network Upgrade (December 2025)
Overview: This was a mandatory upgrade to the Scroll protocol, requiring network participants like exchanges to update their systems. For users, it meant a planned, temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals on supporting exchanges like Bithumb to ensure fund safety during the transition.
The upgrade is a core protocol change aimed at enhancing Scroll's scalability, security, or functionality. Such upgrades are standard practice in blockchain development to introduce improvements and fix issues. Exchanges proactively halt services to prevent failed transactions or security vulnerabilities that could occur if users interact with an outdated node.
What this means: This is neutral for SCR as it represents essential maintenance. It could lead to a better user experience through potential future benefits like lower fees or faster transactions, but the immediate effect is temporary network inactivity. The proactive suspension shows a commitment to security and proper upgrade procedures.
(CoinMarketCap)
2. zkEVM V2 Architectural Overhaul (Early 2025)
Overview: This was a fundamental rewrite of Scroll's core proving system, moving from its first-generation zkEVM (V1) to a vastly simplified V2 architecture. For developers, it means building on a more efficient and familiar system.
The update replaced over 150,000 lines of complex, custom Rust code with under 10,000 lines of standard Rust by shifting to an OpenVM-based RISC-V design. This 15x reduction in code complexity makes the system easier to audit, maintain, and develop upon, significantly lowering the barrier for builder contribution and innovation on the network.
What this means: This is bullish for SCR because a simpler, more robust codebase reduces long-term security risks and accelerates the pace of future development. It makes the platform more attractive to developers, which is crucial for ecosystem growth and utility.
(Scroll)
3. DAO Governance Redesign & Pause (September 2025)
Overview: Scroll's decentralized governance body, the DAO, paused all operations to undergo a redesign after key leader Eugene Chen resigned. This left active proposals, including treasury management and a community council, in limbo.
The pause followed internal disagreements over the pace of decentralization. Co-founder Haichen Shen stated governance was being "redesigned," but no clear timeline or new structure was provided, leading to community concerns about a shift toward centralization and a lack of transparent communication.
What this means: This is bearish for SCR in the short term because governance uncertainty can stall ecosystem funding decisions and community initiatives, potentially slowing development momentum. The credibility of progressive decentralization, a key value proposition for many crypto projects, is currently under question.
(Crypto Times)
Conclusion
Scroll's technical foundation shows promising simplification with its V2 architecture, but recent governance turmoil casts a shadow over its development trajectory and community-led future. Will the resolution of the DAO redesign restore confidence and accelerate ecosystem growth, or will centralization concerns persist?