Chain Strategy: L2 vs Custom Chain

Decision Framework

Use Existing L2 If:

✅ Fast time to market needed
✅ Lower development complexity
✅ Want to focus on product, not infrastructure
✅ Transaction volume < 1M/month initially
✅ Team size is small

Build Custom Chain If:

✅ High transaction volume (>1M/month)
✅ Want CR8 as gas token
✅ Need custom features
✅ Want to subsidize fees
✅ Have resources for chain maintenance

Recommended: Start with L2, Migrate Later

Phase 1: L2 Deployment (Months 1-6)

Chain: Optimism or Arbitrum

Why:

Fast deployment
Low fees (~$0.01-0.1)
EVM compatible
Proven infrastructure
Focus on product

Deploy:

AgentRegistry
AgentToken (ERC-20 per agent)
CR8Token
CR8Staking
FeeDistributor

Phase 2: Evaluate Custom Chain (Months 6-12)

Decision Points:

Transaction volume
Gas cost concerns
Need for custom features
Resources available

If Yes → Build Custom Chain:

Use OP Stack or Arbitrum Orbit
Deploy same contracts
Migrate gradually
Use CR8 as gas token

Custom Chain Options

Option 1: OP Stack (Recommended)

Pros:

✅ EVM compatible
✅ Good documentation
✅ Can use CR8 as gas token
✅ Customizable
✅ Optimism ecosystem

Cons:

⚠️ Need sequencer/validator
⚠️ More complex than L2

Best For: Custom features, CR8 gas token

Option 2: Arbitrum Orbit

Pros:

✅ Very low fees
✅ EVM compatible
✅ Mature framework
✅ Customizable

Cons:

⚠️ Need sequencer
⚠️ More complex

Best For: High volume, low fees

Option 3: Polygon CDK

Pros:

✅ Good for NFTs
✅ Low fees
✅ Customizable

Cons:

⚠️ Less EVM compatible
⚠️ Smaller ecosystem

Best For: NFT-focused agents

Migration Strategy

From L2 to Custom Chain

Build custom chain (OP Stack)
Deploy contracts (same code)
Set up bridge (if needed)
Migrate gradually:
- New agents → custom chain
- Existing agents → optional migration
Update frontend (support both)

Recommendation

Start: Optimism or Arbitrum L2 Migrate: Custom chain when volume justifies it

This gives you:

✅ Fast launch
✅ Low initial costs
✅ Flexibility to migrate
✅ Focus on product first