The blockchain industry isn’t just surviving, it’s evolving. With new blockchains launching, AI making development faster, and industries beyond finance embracing Web3, 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for developers.
A Shifting Demand for Blockchain Developers
The demand for blockchain developers has surged in recent years, but is that growth sustainable? While the need for blockchain talent is still rising, it may not be as rapid as before. A maturing industry and an increasing number of developers mean that competition is growing.
Mark Hugh Neri, CTO of The BLOKC and co-founder of Selyo, shares his insights on where blockchain development is headed in 2025. While some might anticipate astronomical growth, Neri maintains optimistic but realistic views.
“It might still be on the increasing but not as much. Since there are still a lot of people building projects and are still exploring more use-cases. We can also see a lot of blockchains being launched.”
New blockchains continue to emerge, creating fresh opportunities for developers. However, as blockchain becomes more specialized, developers may need to focus on niche applications rather than generalist roles.
The Programming Languages Developers Should Focus On
With blockchain expanding beyond traditional finance, developers must be strategic about the programming languages they learn. Some languages will remain industry standards, while others will gain prominence as new blockchains emerge.
“In terms of opportunities, safest bet is still EVM-based Solidity. Alternatively, I see that Move is another good alternative.”
Solidity remains the dominant language for smart contract development, primarily because of Ethereum’s continued influence in the industry. Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based blockchains like Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, and Polygon further reinforce Solidity’s relevance.
Move, a newer language initially developed for Meta’s now-defunct Diem project, is gaining traction with projects like Aptos and Sui. Known for its emphasis on security and asset control, Move presents a strong alternative for developers looking beyond EVM-based solutions.
For those new to blockchain development, learning Solidity offers the broadest range of opportunities, but keeping an eye on emerging languages like Move could be a strategic advantage.
Beyond Finance: The Rise of RWA, DePIN, and AI
Blockchain has long been associated with finance, especially through applications like decentralized finance (DeFi). But now, industries beyond crypto are integrating blockchain technology at an increasing rate. Gaming, real-world assets (RWA), and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) are becoming major areas of development.
RWA is an emerging sector where real-world assets such as real estate, intellectual property, and commodities are tokenized and managed on blockchain networks. This sector is opening new opportunities for developers to create innovative solutions for digital ownership.
DePIN, on the other hand, focuses on decentralized infrastructure networks—systems where blockchain is used to manage physical assets like internet services, power grids, and logistics. As these networks grow, the demand for developers who can build secure and efficient blockchain-based infrastructure will rise.
Meanwhile, AI is becoming an integral part of blockchain solutions, enhancing automation, security, and data analysis. Developers who understand how to integrate AI with blockchain will be at the forefront of the next technological evolution.
AI’s Role in Blockchain Development: Assistance, Not Replacement
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming various industries, and blockchain is no exception. However, there is ongoing debate about whether AI will replace human developers or simply act as a tool to enhance efficiency.
“AI should not replace developers but assist developers to iterate on their development faster and more efficient.”
AI-powered tools can help streamline development processes by automating repetitive tasks, suggesting code optimizations, and detecting vulnerabilities in smart contracts. These capabilities can significantly improve productivity, but AI still lacks the problem-solving ability and creativity that human developers bring to the table.
Rather than replacing developers, AI is expected to become an essential part of the blockchain development toolkit. Developers who learn how to use AI-powered coding tools effectively will have a competitive edge in the industry.