Crypto industry is facing a growing exodus of core developers, with key contributors leaving major projects like Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin. Here’s why:
1. Financial Burnout
- Many devs worked for years with **little pay**, relying on token grants that crashed in value.
- Example: Over **40% of Ethereum core devs** left after the 2022 bear market (Electric Capital report).
2. Regulatory Hostility
- SEC lawsuits(e.g., against Coinbase, Ripple) scare devs away from U.S.-based projects.
- Some shift to AI or cybersecurity, where regulations are clearer.
3. Toxic Community Politics:
- **Bitcoin’s "no hard fork" culture and Ethereum’s **DAO wars frustrate builders.
- Endless debates over governance vs. progressdrain motivation.
*4. Better Opportunities Elsewhere
- AI startups offer higher salaries + equity, while crypto remains volatile.
- Example: Ex-Solana devs now building at **Anthropic, OpenAI.
5. Failed Promises of Decentralization
- Many projects still rely on foundations & VCs, making devs feel like corporate employees.
- True open-source work is rare—most code is controlled by a few insiders.
#### **Who’s Left?**
- **Mercenaries** (short-term coders chasing grants).
- **Maximalists** (ideologues refusing change).
- **Scammers** (exploiting the next hype cycle).
**Result:** Crypto’s tech future is at risk—without devs, innovation slows.
*Solutions? Better funding, less drama, and real decentralization.*
