Pi Network is preparing for a major shift in its development roadmap with the statement that it will release its open-source code next week. Alongside this, the project has officially shut down its central coordinating node, a step it says brings the network closer to its goal of full decentralization. While this move has been welcomed by many in the Pi community, it comes with ongoing concerns that question the network’s governance and true level of decentralization.

The statement comes at a pivotal moment for the crypto industry, coinciding with the high-profile Consensus 2025 conference in Toronto. Pi Network appears to be leveraging the timing strategically, revealing a series of major updates, including the node shutdown, open-source plans, and a string of upcoming declarations. Among them is a keynote address by co-founder Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, scheduled for May 16, that could provide more clarity on the project’s future.

The shutdown of the central node was accompanied by the release of a new network diagram showing its removal from the system architecture. According to the Pi Network team, this change is part of a broader effort to build a decentralized blockchain ecosystem using its unique Improved Proof of Stake (IPoS) consensus mechanism. The decision to go open-source is intended to reinforce transparency and community trust, allowing developers and contributors worldwide to audit, contribute to, or build on the platform’s codebase.

Despite this progress, the platform has not been free of criticism. Some blockchain analysts and community members argue that key elements of Pi Network remain opaque and centrally controlled. The referral-based mining structure has drawn skepticism for its pyramid-like growth model, while concerns persist over the network’s governance. A major issue frequently raised is the core team’s reported continued control over the selection of supernodes—critical infrastructure responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the blockchain. Additionally, the team is said to hold approximately 82.8 billion PI tokens, raising further concerns about centralization and potential influence over the ecosystem.

Critics also point to limitations in user access. Despite the removal of the central node, Pi’s mainnet remains closed to the public. Token transfers between users are still restricted, and access to features such as “Lightning” often requires the use of VPNs in certain regions. These restrictions, some argue, stand in contrast to the principles of openness and borderless access that define decentralized networks.

The project’s timeline for opening the mainnet remains unclear, even as the open-source code release and central node shutdown suggest forward momentum. Supporters of the network believe the upcoming statements could bring long-awaited changes. The team has hinted at a series of developments between May 14 and 16, designed to engage the broader community and highlight the project’s progress.

The focus now turns to the upcoming events at Consensus 2025, where Pi Network is expected to make more concrete statements about its roadmap. The community is especially looking forward to Dr. Kokkalis’s presentation, which may address current concerns and shed light on future phases of decentralization and utility for the PI token.

In summary, while Pi Network’s decision to go open-source and remove its central node marks a significant milestone, the project still faces important challenges. Until the mainnet becomes fully open and token transfers are unrestricted, doubts around true decentralization will likely persist. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Pi Network can align its actions with its vision—or if concerns over central control will continue to overshadow its progress.