The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) community continues to grapple with the unexplained silence of the developer behind BOB, the Blockchain-on-Blockchain layer-2 project, now compounded by a recent halving that has yet to deliver the expected price boost. Launched on September 5, 2024, per a DFINITY forum post, BOB introduced proof-of-work mining to ICP, aiming to mirror Bitcoin’s mechanics with a 21-million-token cap and a halving every 17,500 blocks. With over 8,000 miners driving record ICP burn rates in September, per a Reddit post from that month, the project initially thrived. But as the developer—identity unknown—vanished in early 2025, and with a broader crypto price correction hitting in recent weeks, BOB’s trajectory has faltered, raising questions for the Bonb and Alice factions.
BOB’s last known developer update came via an X post in late January 2025: “Blocks keep moving. Stay tuned.” Since then, no new code has been committed, and the promised open-source release remains undelivered. The vacuum has fueled speculation. Some believe the creator planned to step away from the project from the outset. Others suggest a shift to a new venture or simple burnout.
Despite the silence, the blockchain continues to function. Miners—who earn 600 BOB per block—highlight that transactions are processing, rewards are being distributed, and network activity remains intact. On March 11, 2025, a developer update on internetcomputer.org confirmed that ICP burn rates, while down from their September peak, remain stable. But without active development, concerns persist.
One of the latest signals of market sentiment came from an X post retweeted by the BOB account, noting a shift in token distribution: addresses holding 10,000 or more BOB have declined, while those with 1,000 or more have increased. Some interpret this as a bullish sign, pointing to a wider distribution of tokens as an indication of increased community participation. Others worry that large holders cashing out could point to doubts about the project’s long-term prospects.
The divide between the Bob crowd and the Alice faction has only grown. Miners argue that as long as blocks keep moving, BOB is fulfilling its purpose. Alice DAO members, who played a role in the project’s launch, take a more cautious approach. A Telegram message from early March read, “Silence tests us. We adapt.” The DAO has debated various measures to stabilize BOB’s economy, including additional token burns to offset selling pressure.
Whether the developer returns or not, BOB’s community is left to chart its own course. The absence of updates means no new features or improvements, leaving the ecosystem running on its initial design. For now, BOB remains operational, but without leadership, its future remains uncertain.
