Roadmap

Metastate Network is currently in development (pre-launch), with an aggressive roadmap aiming to deliver a secure and feature-complete mainnet while building a robust community of users and developers. Below, we outline the key phases and milestones in our journey:

Phase 0: Research & Conceptualization: During this initial phase, the concept of Metastate was formulated and refined. We identified the need for a human-centered L3 and defined core features (community economics, on-chain governance, points incentives). Partnerships with thought leaders in the network state, scientific, and philanthropic domains were explored. The foundational whitepaper (this document) was prepared and shared with early supporters for feedback.
Phase 1: Core Development and Testnet: The development team began implementing Metastate as an OP Stack chain, deploying early versions on a private testnet. Focus areas included the rollup infrastructure (sequencer, bridges, nodes) and custom application modules for identity, voting, and reward points. We plan to launch a public testnet for Metastate, where invited communities and developers can start experimenting with deploying contracts and running transactions in a sandbox environment. This testnet will use test tokens (no real value) and will be instrumental in tuning performance (targeting that <$0.02 fee level) and squashing bugs. Simultaneously, the Metastate App (open-source super-app) will enter development, integrating governance and social features in a single interface.
Phase 2: Incentivized Beta & Community Onboarding: After iterating on the testnet, Metastate will move into an incentivized beta phase. This will likely involve a temporary beta network (still not mainnet final, but with real incentives) where select partner communities (e.g. a citizen journalism group, a charity, a game developer, etc.) onboard their users to try Metastate in a real-world scenario. During this phase, the points-based incentive program will be fully activated - participants in the beta network will earn Metastate Points for defined actions (deploying a contract, completing a governance vote, making X number of transactions, etc.), which will later convert into $MET tokens upon mainnet launch. We anticipate collaborating with protocols like Optimism’s governance or other L2 projects to share liquidity or bridge resources during this stage. Key technical features, such as support for custom gas token and security audits of the system contracts, will be finalized in this phase. We aim to have a community of thousands of beta users, a stable and audited codebase, and clear governance procedures in place for launch.
Phase 3: Mainnet Launch: The mainnet launch will include the genesis distribution of $MET tokens - allocating tokens to early supporters (based on points earned in earlier phases), the core team, and treasury as per the tokenomics plan. On Day 1 of mainnet, core functionalities such as bridging from L1 and L2, the identity system, the on-chain voting module, and basic community treasury contracts will be operational. The network will initially launch with a centralized sequencer operated by Metastate Labs for stability, but with a commitment to decentralize this as priority. The governance smart contracts will be deployed, allowing token holders to begin making proposals. In fact, one of the first governance votes proposed may be to ratify the initial governance structure and possibly elect a community multisig or council to oversee interim decisions until full decentralization. The launch will be accompanied by community events (hackathons, AMAs, etc.), and we expect a variety of community projects - from at least four sectors (science, charity, gaming, politics) - to debut their dApps on Metastate during the launch period, demonstrating the network’s broad applicability.
Phase 4: Growth and Decentralization: Post-launch, the focus shifts to growth of the ecosystem and handing over control to the community. Key goals include:
- Decentralizing Infrastructure: Introduce a permissionless validator/sequencer selection process so that multiple parties can participate in block production by staking $MET. We will work with the Optimism Stack roadmap to incorporate their upcoming decentralized sequencing and fault proof systems as they become available.
- Ecosystem Expansion: Proactively support the creation of new united community and dApps on Metastate through grant programs (governance-funded) and technical support. We aim to have dozens of active communities within the first year, ranging from grassroots projects to larger organizations using Metastate for their web3 needs.
- Interoperability and Superchain Integration: Work towards seamless interoperability with other OP Stack chains. For example, implementing the Optimism cross-chain messaging standard so that a Metastate user could interact with an Optimism L2 dApp in one click, or share liquidity with Base or other L3s in the Superchain. If beneficial, Metastate may opt to formally join Optimism’s Superchain, sharing its sequencer or revenue as required, to enhance the user experience across chains.
- Continuous Governance Evolution: As more token holders engage, governance itself might evolve - potentially moving to a bicameral model (e.g. a House of Communities where each major united community has a representative, alongside the token-holder direct voting). Any such changes would be proposed and decided via on-chain votes. By the end of 2025, we expect Metastate to be largely governed by its users, with the founding team stepping back to an equal footing with other community members.
- Advanced Features: Explore adding ZK-proof options (e.g. zk-rollup validity proofs) for faster finality or privacy features for sensitive community actions (perhaps leveraging zero-knowledge ID verification so users can prove they meet criteria without exposing identity). Also, integrate emerging standards for on-chain reputation and decentralized identity to strengthen the Verified Impact Economy vision.
Long-Term Vision: In the longer horizon, success for Metastate Network means it becomes a thriving network of communities, a Layer-3 digital commonwealth interoperable with Ethereum but self-sustaining in its governance and innovation. We envision Metastate as the go-to platform when a group of people anywhere in the world asks, “How can we organize ourselves online with trust and autonomy?” By continuously aligning the technology upgrades with community needs (thanks to on-chain governance feedback loops), Metastate can remain at the cutting edge of blockchain scalability while never losing sight of the human element. Our roadmap will remain a living document - as milestones are achieved, new goals will be set by the collective intelligence of our community.

Current Status: As of this writing, Metastate Network is in active development, with the core protocol being built and internal testnets running. Key contracts (bridges, token, governance) are undergoing audit and refinement. The team and early contributors are deeply engaged in integrating feedback and building out the ecosystem. We invite developers, community organizers, and enthusiasts to join us in this journey. Early participants will play a pivotal role and, as noted, will be recognized and rewarded for their contributions - whether through early tester bonuses, or simply the pride of helping launch a network aimed at empowering communities worldwide.

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Last updated 11 days ago

Roadmap

Phase 0: Research & Conceptualization: During this initial phase, the concept of Metastate was formulated and refined. We identified the need for a human-centered L3 and defined core features (community economics, on-chain governance, points incentives). Partnerships with thought leaders in the network state, scientific, and philanthropic domains were explored. The foundational whitepaper (this document) was prepared and shared with early supporters for feedback.
Phase 1: Core Development and Testnet: The development team began implementing Metastate as an OP Stack chain, deploying early versions on a private testnet. Focus areas included the rollup infrastructure (sequencer, bridges, nodes) and custom application modules for identity, voting, and reward points. We plan to launch a public testnet for Metastate, where invited communities and developers can start experimenting with deploying contracts and running transactions in a sandbox environment. This testnet will use test tokens (no real value) and will be instrumental in tuning performance (targeting that <$0.02 fee level) and squashing bugs. Simultaneously, the Metastate App (open-source super-app) will enter development, integrating governance and social features in a single interface.
Phase 2: Incentivized Beta & Community Onboarding: After iterating on the testnet, Metastate will move into an incentivized beta phase. This will likely involve a temporary beta network (still not mainnet final, but with real incentives) where select partner communities (e.g. a citizen journalism group, a charity, a game developer, etc.) onboard their users to try Metastate in a real-world scenario. During this phase, the points-based incentive program will be fully activated - participants in the beta network will earn Metastate Points for defined actions (deploying a contract, completing a governance vote, making X number of transactions, etc.), which will later convert into $MET tokens upon mainnet launch. We anticipate collaborating with protocols like Optimism’s governance or other L2 projects to share liquidity or bridge resources during this stage. Key technical features, such as support for custom gas token and security audits of the system contracts, will be finalized in this phase. We aim to have a community of thousands of beta users, a stable and audited codebase, and clear governance procedures in place for launch.
Phase 3: Mainnet Launch: The mainnet launch will include the genesis distribution of $MET tokens - allocating tokens to early supporters (based on points earned in earlier phases), the core team, and treasury as per the tokenomics plan. On Day 1 of mainnet, core functionalities such as bridging from L1 and L2, the identity system, the on-chain voting module, and basic community treasury contracts will be operational. The network will initially launch with a centralized sequencer operated by Metastate Labs for stability, but with a commitment to decentralize this as priority. The governance smart contracts will be deployed, allowing token holders to begin making proposals. In fact, one of the first governance votes proposed may be to ratify the initial governance structure and possibly elect a community multisig or council to oversee interim decisions until full decentralization. The launch will be accompanied by community events (hackathons, AMAs, etc.), and we expect a variety of community projects - from at least four sectors (science, charity, gaming, politics) - to debut their dApps on Metastate during the launch period, demonstrating the network’s broad applicability.
Phase 4: Growth and Decentralization: Post-launch, the focus shifts to growth of the ecosystem and handing over control to the community. Key goals include:
- Decentralizing Infrastructure: Introduce a permissionless validator/sequencer selection process so that multiple parties can participate in block production by staking $MET. We will work with the Optimism Stack roadmap to incorporate their upcoming decentralized sequencing and fault proof systems as they become available.
- Ecosystem Expansion: Proactively support the creation of new united community and dApps on Metastate through grant programs (governance-funded) and technical support. We aim to have dozens of active communities within the first year, ranging from grassroots projects to larger organizations using Metastate for their web3 needs.
- Interoperability and Superchain Integration: Work towards seamless interoperability with other OP Stack chains. For example, implementing the Optimism cross-chain messaging standard so that a Metastate user could interact with an Optimism L2 dApp in one click, or share liquidity with Base or other L3s in the Superchain. If beneficial, Metastate may opt to formally join Optimism’s Superchain, sharing its sequencer or revenue as required, to enhance the user experience across chains.
- Continuous Governance Evolution: As more token holders engage, governance itself might evolve - potentially moving to a bicameral model (e.g. a House of Communities where each major united community has a representative, alongside the token-holder direct voting). Any such changes would be proposed and decided via on-chain votes. By the end of 2025, we expect Metastate to be largely governed by its users, with the founding team stepping back to an equal footing with other community members.
- Advanced Features: Explore adding ZK-proof options (e.g. zk-rollup validity proofs) for faster finality or privacy features for sensitive community actions (perhaps leveraging zero-knowledge ID verification so users can prove they meet criteria without exposing identity). Also, integrate emerging standards for on-chain reputation and decentralized identity to strengthen the Verified Impact Economy vision.
Long-Term Vision: In the longer horizon, success for Metastate Network means it becomes a thriving network of communities, a Layer-3 digital commonwealth interoperable with Ethereum but self-sustaining in its governance and innovation. We envision Metastate as the go-to platform when a group of people anywhere in the world asks, “How can we organize ourselves online with trust and autonomy?” By continuously aligning the technology upgrades with community needs (thanks to on-chain governance feedback loops), Metastate can remain at the cutting edge of blockchain scalability while never losing sight of the human element. Our roadmap will remain a living document - as milestones are achieved, new goals will be set by the collective intelligence of our community.

PreviousGovernance NextConclusion

Last updated 11 days ago