On Wednesday, GSC Game World announced that they will hold an auction to win an NFT that would eventually lead to the owner becoming an in-game NPC for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl called a "metahuman." On Thursday (that's today), GSC Game World announced that they would not include any NFT related items in connection with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl.
How we arrived at this point is not without a few bumps in the road though.
When news broke yesterday about the inclusion of NFTs in the new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. title, GSC Game World saw immediate backlash from most everyone. Trust me, it wasn't just on this site where people were angry about GSC Game World's plans for NFTs. However, instead of backing down immediately from their plans, GSC Game World instead opted to double down on their announcement.
The studio released a lengthy statement trying to explain why they decided to use NFTs and begged fans to "hear us and understand our reasons."
That tweet was quickly taken down from the game's official Twitter account. Roughly a half hour later, another statement went up on the official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Twitter account that says they have made the decision to cancel any and all NFT-related items for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
Dear STALKERS,
We hear you.
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.
With love,
GSC Game World Team.
We hear you.
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.
With love,
GSC Game World Team.
I'm also struggling to decide whether or not I should cancel my Intellivision Amico VIP pre-order. I REALLY want to give the console a shot despite how many issues there are that would indicate imminent failure, but their support for NFTs makes it difficult for me to support the business while opposing NFTs. I want to keep the console and avoid buying physical products (I can't say physical media since it's just an RFID card with a download code for a game that may or may not be ready for download, depending on the game's state of completion), but I'm also arguing with myself that it's no different than buying OnePlus products and avoiding their offer to download NFTs for free to OnePlus members.
I want to support the company and avoid NFTs, but I'm kicking myself because I can't separate the two. I can't just buy games that don't involve NFTs from a developer/publisher that also offers games that involve NFTs. Damn it I want the Amico, but I don't want Intellivision being complete fucking dumbasses for embracing NFTs! I HATE ALL THIS! I HAVE A PHONE FROM A MANUFACTURER THAT EMBRACES FUCKING NFTs! WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE BEING HORRIBLE?!