Ethereum Rollups as Franchised “McRollups” – The New Layer 2 Paradigm

Ethereum Rollups are evolving into franchised branches—“McRollups”—anchored by Ethereum’s core infrastructure. As the franchisor, Ethereum provides the validator set, settlement layer, EVM standards and shared tooling. Individual rollups act as franchisees, customizing runtime (EVM, zkVM, WASM), fee models, governance, sequencers and data availability to suit specific use cases like DeFi, gaming or social apps. Successful rollup operators must manage technical operations (sequencers, DA, proofs), build developer ecosystems, support users and design token economies. Shared infrastructure—cross-chain bridges, shared sequencers (e.g., Superchain, Espresso), DA networks (EigenDA, Celestia) and toolchains—lowers costs and unlocks interoperability. The key strategic imperative is synchronous composability: atomic, determin­istic cross-Rollup calls that enable seamless state and asset transfers without fragmented liquidity or complex bridges. Without synchronous composability, mature rollups may break away, build full-stack solutions or switch settlement layers, eroding Ethereum’s network effects. Composability thus serves as Ethereum’s economic defense layer—retaining shared liquidity, unified UX and collective value accrual. Beyond Layer 2 scaling, Ethereum Rollups are autonomous, interconnected digital economies. The “McRollups” era heralds a programmable franchise model: independent yet brand-aligned rollups leveraging Ethereum’s finality and trust.