1. The impact of Binance launching Booster on the Web3 industry
Further centralization of token issuance paths
Background: Binance attempted to integrate the originally decentralized token issuance paths (testnet tasks, whitelist, KOL rounds, market-making, etc.) into its ecosystem through the pre-sale mechanism upgrade and the launch of the task airdrop platform (Booster). However, the withdrawal from Booster indicates that Binance may have realized the high costs and low efficiency of task platforms (such as the complexity of anti-witch mechanisms and the decentralization of user participation).
Impact:
Reduced options for project parties: Project parties could previously quickly distribute tokens and attract users through platforms like Booster, but now they must rely more on Binance's other tools (such as pre-sales, Launchpool, Alpha, etc.). This may make it difficult for small and medium projects to gain exposure, further concentrating market resources on leading projects.
Impact on the on-chain ecosystem: The withdrawal of Booster may weaken the competitiveness of on-chain task platforms (such as Galxe, Kaito) because Binance's ecosystem integration capabilities far exceed those of other platforms. The 'false prosperity' of on-chain tasks (such as address brushing, bot operations) may decrease, but it may also inhibit on-chain innovation.
Increased user participation threshold: Ordinary users could originally obtain airdrops by completing simple tasks through on-chain earning, but project parties cannot guarantee whether they are real users; more often, it's the multi-account mechanism of studios, which creates what we call 'false prosperity' on-chain. However, now it may require participation in more complex mechanisms of Binance (such as Alpha points consumption, KYC requirements). Although there will still be multi-account behaviors by studios, this at least ensures that each address corresponds to a real KYC. Therefore, Booster aims to distribute tokens through tasks completed by real users, avoiding the dilution of project parties' and platforms' resources caused by large numbers of studios operating multiple accounts ('black slaves' mode). The launch of Booster may be Binance's response to the high costs of anti-witch mechanisms.
Impact:
Studio costs rising: Binance ecosystem requires KYC and single wallet operations, significantly increasing the cost and difficulty for studios to open multiple accounts. This may force some studios to exit the market or turn to other platforms.
Real user benefits: After reducing bot and fake volume behaviors, the airdrop allocation ratio for real users may increase, but deeper user participation in the Binance ecosystem (such as holding BNB, earning Alpha points, completing high-threshold tasks) is required.
Industry standardization: Binance's launch may promote the industry towards a more compliant and transparent direction, reducing chaotic earning behaviors, but in the short term, it may lead to a decrease in on-chain user activity.
Centralization trend of market liquidity protocols
Background: Binance has built a centralized full-link liquidity protocol by integrating TGE (Token Generation Events), pre-sales, airdrops, and trading markets. The withdrawal from Booster further strengthens this centralization trend.
Impact:
Strengthened dominance of Binance ecosystem: The entire process from financing to launch for project parties may be completed within Binance, similar to the 'super APP' model of Web2. This may weaken the competitiveness of other exchanges (such as OKX, Coinbase) or decentralized platforms (like Coinlist).
The contradiction between innovation and monopoly: Although centralization improves efficiency and credibility, it may suppress the decentralized spirit of Web3, potentially leading to a decline in industry innovation vitality in the long run.
Increased user dependence: Users need to bind more deeply to the Binance ecosystem (such as using Binance Wallet, holding BNB), which may decrease user activity on other chain platforms.
2. Changes in future Web3 earning methods
From 'project-centered' to 'platform-centered'
Current situation: Traditional earning methods rely on project parties' testnet tasks, whitelist activities, or on-chain interactions (such as Galxe tasks, KOL promotions). Users need to spread their efforts across multiple platforms to find opportunities.
Change:
Single platform dominance: After Binance launched Booster, the airdrop logic will become more concentrated on its ecosystem tools (such as Binance Wallet, Alpha, Launchpool). Users only need to pay attention to Binance announcements and tasks, reducing information search costs. It also ensures that completing tasks will guarantee airdrop rewards, eliminating the need to endure endless manipulation from project parties and the potential risk of counter-attack.
Widespread adoption of the points system: Binance's Alpha Points system (calculated based on user asset holdings, trading activity, etc.) will become the core threshold for earning. In the future, there may be more point consumption mechanisms (such as requiring points for participating in TGE or airdrops), and users will need to continuously accumulate points to maintain competitiveness.
Increased KYC and compliance requirements: Binance emphasizes real-name authentication and single wallet operations, making traditional 'multi-account earning' difficult. Users need to pay more attention to compliance operations and may need to invest more capital (such as holding BNB) to qualify for airdrops.
From 'low threshold' to 'high participation'
Current situation: Traditional earning primarily relies on low-cost interactions (such as social tasks, testnet operations), where users invest time to receive returns.
Change:
Increased capital threshold: Binance's airdrop and TGE participation may require users to hold BNB, lock assets, or complete trading tasks, increasing the participation cost for ordinary retail investors.
Task complexity: Future airdrops may involve more complex Web3 interactions (such as cross-chain operations using Binance Wallet, participating in DeFi protocols), raising higher requirements for users' technical skills and financial strength.
Long-term holding incentives: Binance may reward users who hold BNB for a long time through mechanisms like HODLer Airdrops, while the returns from short-term speculative earning will decrease.
From 'on-chain decentralization' to 'off-chain integration'
Current situation: On-chain earning relies on multi-chain interactions (such as Ethereum, Solana, Polygon), and users need to operate on different chains to obtain airdrops.
Change:
Off-chain platform dominance: Binance's centralized platform will replace some on-chain tasks, allowing users to complete most airdrop tasks through Binance Wallet, reducing the complexity of cross-chain operations.
On-chain task marginalization: The appeal of on-chain task platforms like Galxe and LayerZero may decline unless they can deeply integrate with the Binance ecosystem.
Data-driven precise airdrops: Binance may utilize its user data (transaction records, asset holdings) for precise airdrops, reducing ineffective distribution and improving airdrop efficiency.
Three, Summary and Suggestions
Ordinary users:
Familiarize yourself with Binance ecosystem tools (such as Binance Wallet, Alpha Points) as soon as possible to accumulate BNB and points for airdrop and TGE eligibility.
Pay attention to Binance announcements, prioritize participation in Alpha projects and HODLer Airdrops, and reduce information asymmetry.
Improve Web3 operational skills (such as cross-chain interaction, DeFi participation) to adapt to more complex task requirements.
Whether you like it or not, Binance Alpha has reached a new height, and a brand new Web3 ecosystem may be about to emerge. Embrace new things; do not hold biases in the crypto world!