Base creator coin backlash 2025: Builders slam Zora favoritism as migration risks loom

Base is hitting record numbers, but it's facing a brewing rebellion from within. The network's aggressive push into 'creator coins' is drawing sharp criticism from long-time builders who claim Base is playing favorites, prioritizing its partnership with Zora over the broader community.

The Root of Base creator coin backlash 2025

According to CoinDesk, the strategy has significantly boosted onchain activity. In August 2025, daily token mints on Base actually surpassed Solana, driven largely by the creator-coin narrative centered on the Zora marketplace. While the network currently processes over 10 million transactions per day, the mood among developers is darkening as they feel sidelined by what they call a 'forced' narrative.

Selective Support and the 'Invisible' Builder Problem

The frustration boiled over when Jacek, lead of the Degen token ecosystem, publicly vented about the lack of recognition from the official Base X account. He argued that unless a project is part of the Zora-linked creator coin push, it effectively doesn't exist in the eyes of Base marketing. He contrasted this with Solana, noting that when his project bridged there, they received immediate social support and validation from key ecosystem leaders.