ENSv2 pivots to an Ethereum-based launch…halts development of its in-house L2 'Namechain'

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has decided to launch its next-generation version, ENSv2, exclusively on the Ethereum mainnet. As a result, development of its in-house layer-2 network, 'Namechain,' will be halted.

According to crypto-focused media outlet Cryptopolitan on the 7th, ENS will run ENSv2 directly on Ethereum and has withdrawn plans to build a separate L2. ENS said it "determined that Ethereum can provide the strongest infrastructure guarantees."

ENS had been considering developing Namechain to cut costs and improve scalability, but explained that the need for an independent L2 has diminished due to recent improvements in Ethereum mainnet throughput and changes to the fee structure.

ENS stressed that halting Namechain development will not affect the ENSv2 launch schedule. ENS said, "ENSv2 will continue to offer single-step registration and an improved user experience."

With this decision, ENS plans to simplify the name registration and resolution process into a single Ethereum chain, focusing on strengthening security and reliability. The possibility of improving integration with layer-2 and multichain environments remains.

ENS explained, "Ethereum L1 is the most stable option in terms of security and decentralization."

ENS is a service that maps users' long Ethereum (ETH) wallet addresses into easy-to-read address formats such as 'abc.eth.'