In Brief:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 fans mocked GSC’s plans to launch NFTs with rude memes.
- GSC failed to say which blockchain it would use for the NFT launch, raising concerns about its eco-friendliness.
- GSC thought the profits from the NFT launch could be used to finance its game development.
GSC Game World announced that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl has scrapped plans to include NFT in the game following the backlash from the game’s fans and gaming community overall.
GSC Game World is the developer of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and it revealed on December 15 that NFTs would be included in the sequel.
It unveiled NFTs comprising of three non-playable characters (NPCs) called “metahumans” which would be available for purchase using blockchain technology.
According to the website, the NFT buyers’ names or aliases would be linked to that in-game character, allowing users a cameo as a “bartender, comrade, or enemy.”
Dmarket, a third-party marketplace where users may purchase and sell in-game items, was set to sell the NFTs.
The NFTs were designed by GSC to be optional for players, with no in-game bonuses for those who didn’t wish to buy one.
Fans mocked GSC’s plans with rude memes, criticized the studio for jumping on the NFT bandwagon before displaying genuine gameplay, and swore not to buy S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
GSC gave minimal justification for why it was producing NFTs, causing many gamers to feel it was cashing in on a trend.
It also failed to say which blockchain it would use to launch the NFTs, which would have helped to back up its claim that the venture would be environmentally friendly.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not a blockchain game, the NFT metahumans will be optional buy-ins, and the NFTs will have no impact on gameplay, according to the studio’s clarification statement.
The idea was that if GSC sold NFTs for a hefty price, it would be able to continue financing game development and improve the sequel. And at the end, the studio decided to drop the plans due to fan outcry.
The company stated, “Based on the feedback we received, we’ve made a decision to cancel anything NFT-related in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The interests of our fans and players are the top priority for the team. We’re making this game for you to enjoy — whatever the cost is. If you care, we care too.”
STALKER 2 was first announced in 2010 and was set to be released in 2012. GSC Game World’s original incarnation, however, disbanded in late 2011, and the game was formally canceled soon after.
GSC Game World was reorganized in 2014, and STALKER 2 was re-announced in 2018.
STALKER 2 will be released on April 28, 2022, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day for both platforms.
Unlike GSC, game publisher giants like Ubisoft are actively moving forward with their NFT projects. With its new Ubisoft Quartz platform, Ubisoft became the first major gaming firm to introduce In-Game NFTs known as ‘Digits’ in AAA games. Players in the United States, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Belgium, and Australia will be able to try out the beta version.
