In a landscape where change is the only constant, Bitcoin continues to stand as a beacon of both opportunity and uncertainty. As we edge closer to Bitcoin’s fourth halving this April, the air is thick with speculation, hope, and a fair share of skepticism. Just over three years ago, I embarked on a journey to dissect “The Future of Bitcoin: 12 Scenarios From Bullish to Bearish,” a time when the price of Bitcoin loomed around $25,000—a figure that then seemed almost mythical. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has evolved beyond recognition. With Bitcoin’s price milestones, the emergence of figures like SBF, innovations such as Bitcoin Ordinals, and the rise of ChatGPT, we’re in a realm that was once unimaginable.
Yet, here we are, on the cusp of another monumental moment—the fourth Bitcoin halving. It’s time to revisit and revise those scenarios, casting our gaze a decade into the future, with the wisdom that only time and tide can offer.
Bitcoin to “buy a cup of coffee”
Imagine stepping into your favorite café, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and seeing two price tags—one in your local fiat currency and one in Bitcoin. This scenario, envisioned by Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan, paints a picture of a world where Bitcoin is not just a speculative asset but a currency for everyday transactions. By 2035, the dual pricing model could become a norm, allowing you to pay for your latte in sats (satoshis), making the crypto economy more tangible and accessible.
Bitcoin-Powered Games
The gaming industry, with its 3 billion-strong community, stands on the brink of a revolution, powered by Bitcoin. Des Dickerson of THNDR Games sees a future where gamers earn Bitcoin rewards directly, facilitated by the lightning-fast transactions of the Lightning Network. This vision hinges on the development of a viral game that incorporates Bitcoin, marking a leap towards mass adoption.
TradFi Tames Bitcoin
The rise of Bitcoin ETFs presents a paradox of progress and control. Isaiah Jackson and Wendy O highlight the double-edged sword of bringing Bitcoin into the traditional financial (TradFi) sphere. On one hand, ETFs have propelled Bitcoin’s price to new heights by attracting fresh capital. On the other, they grant significant influence to financial giants like Blackrock and Fidelity, potentially steering the cryptocurrency’s fate.
ABI: Artificial Bitcoin Intelligence
The intersection of Bitcoin and artificial intelligence (AI) could redefine how we interact with financial services. David Johnston foresees AI agents conducting transactions, accessing DeFi, and even managing personal finance tasks in Bitcoin. This fusion could democratize access to sophisticated financial tools, making them available through simple voice or text commands.
Choked by taxation and regulation
Regulatory challenges pose a significant fog over Bitcoin’s future. Wendy O expresses concerns over the unpredictable regulatory landscape, especially in the U.S. While outright bans are unlikely, stringent regulations could stifle innovation and participation in the crypto ecosystem.
Shadow Bitcoins
Isaiah Jackson introduces the concept of “shadow bitcoins”—a market driven by the desire to circumvent government oversight. This scenario suggests a bifurcation of the Bitcoin market, where untraceable bitcoins carry a premium over their tracked counterparts.
Bitcoin thrives as a store of value
Anthony Pompliano, or “Pomp,” reminds us of Bitcoin’s foundational appeal as a global digital store of value. This scenario envisions Bitcoin continuing to serve as a benchmark for investors, akin to the S&P 500 for stock investors.
Machines Send Bitcoin
The future could see machines transacting with each other using Bitcoin, predicts Elizabeth Stark. This scenario extends beyond mere speculation, suggesting a practical application for Bitcoin in automating payments for services like electric vehicle charging.
Bitcoin ordinals blow up
Bitcoin ordinals could revolutionize the world of digital collectibles, according to Wendy O. This scenario anticipates a future where ordinals become mainstream, offering a more secure alternative to NFTs.
The status quo continues
Cas Piancey provides a grounded perspective, suggesting that Bitcoin’s use cases may not dramatically change over the next decade. Instead, Bitcoin could continue serving its current roles in remittances, as a tool for dissidents, and as a store of value.
Bitcoin’s Death by Black Swan
Acknowledging the unpredictable, Isaiah Jackson considers the potential for catastrophic events, such as a hack by quantum computing, to threaten Bitcoin’s existence. While the likelihood is low, the impact would be profound.
Telepathic Bitcoin
Finally, Jackson offers a glimpse into a far-flung future where Bitcoin transactions are conducted telepathically, inspired by advancements in brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink.
As we navigate the unfolding narrative of Bitcoin, these scenarios offer a mosaic of possibilities, each reflecting a fragment of our collective hopes, fears, and aspirations. The future of Bitcoin, much like the cryptocurrency itself, remains a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of innovation.