- The Pi Network’s mainnet launch, scheduled for Q1, has generated anticipation and uncertainty, as pioneers wonder whether the coin’s price will rise or fall post-launch.
- While developers aim to build utility through an ecosystem of apps, concerns remain about potential sell-offs by long-term holders and parallels with the decline of other tap-to-earn tokens.
The long-anticipated mainnet launch of the Pi Network has sparked both excitement and apprehension among its community of pioneers. For seven years, these individuals have mined Pi coins by tapping a button on the app, amassing tokens in the hope of a brighter financial future. With the promised transition to the public mainnet scheduled for the first quarter, questions abound: Will the Pi coin’s price soar, or will it follow the fate of other tap-to-earn tokens?
The Promise of the Mainnet Launch
Pi Network’s developers have pledged that the network will exit its enclosed mainnet once the ongoing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification concludes. This step is critical, as it paves the way for the public mainnet and the potential trading of Pi coins. However, skepticism lingers, fueled by the network’s history of missed deadlines.
To bolster confidence, the team is working to create a mainnet-ready ecosystem of apps that could give the Pi coin real utility. Yet, the external market environment, as well as the success of KYC implementation, will play pivotal roles in determining the launch’s impact.
Lessons from Tap-to-Earn Tokens
The Pi Network shares similarities with other tap-to-earn tokens like Hamster Kombat, DOGS, and Catizen, where users could mine coins with minimal effort. Unfortunately, these projects have seen dramatic value declines. For instance, Hamster Kombat, once expected to surpass a $10 billion valuation, now has a fully diluted valuation of $306 million.
Pi pioneers are understandably wary of such precedents. While Pi Network has introduced unique features, such as requiring referrals and developing an ecosystem to ensure utility, the community remains cautious about its post-launch prospects.
Will Pi Coin’s Price Rise or Fall?
Predicting Pi’s trajectory is challenging. A significant factor is the likelihood of a price drop as many long-term holders cash out after years of mining. This behavior mirrors trends seen with other “to-earn” tokens, where the rush to sell upon launch led to sharp declines in value.
Another consideration is the potential disconnect between developers and miners. While developers envision Pi as a global cryptocurrency with diverse applications, miners may prioritize liquidation over long-term participation.
Conclusion
The Pi Network’s mainnet launch is a crucial milestone, but its impact on the coin’s price remains uncertain. Whether Pi will rise or fall depends on the success of its ecosystem, market readiness, and the behavior of its community. For pioneers, the wait continues, but the outcome may well hinge on striking a balance between innovation and user expectations.
