Sei Protocol has stopped accepting new CosmWasm deployments as part of a broader move to an EVM-only architecture. The change, confirmed by the team, means developers can no longer launch new CosmWasm-based smart contracts on the network. Existing CosmWasm contracts and IBC transfers, however, will continue to function without interruption.
Why the Switch to EVM-Only?
Sei Protocol is aligning its infrastructure around the Ethereum Virtual Machine, a standard widely used across decentralized finance and NFT applications. The decision to halt new CosmWasm deployments is a deliberate step in that transition. The team has not provided a detailed timeline for when the EVM-only phase will be fully implemented, but the halt signals a clear directional shift.
What Existing Users Can Expect
For current projects running on CosmWasm, the news is largely neutral. Their contracts remain live, and IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) transfers are unaffected. That means users holding assets or interacting with existing CosmWasm dApps won't see immediate changes. The freeze applies only to new deployments — not to ongoing operations.
A Quiet but Significant Pivot
Sei's move away from CosmWasm is a notable architectural choice, especially given CosmWasm's popularity among Cosmos-based chains. The protocol had previously supported both execution environments. By shutting the door on new CosmWasm contracts, Sei is prioritizing EVM compatibility, likely to attract developers and liquidity from the Ethereum ecosystem. No further details on incentive programs or migration support for existing CosmWasm projects have been released.
The halt is effective immediately, and the team says it will provide updates as the transition progresses. For now, developers eyeing Sei for new projects will have to wait — or look to EVM-based tooling instead.
