NFT "Metaverse" plans cancelled after S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 fan backlash

Kyiv, Ukraine - For once, a gaming studio actually listened to its fans' feedback: the makers of the popular First-Person Shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. pulled the plug on plans to put NFTs into their new release after some serious backlash against the idea.

No NFTs in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, thanks to the fans.
No NFTs in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, thanks to the fans.  © GSC Game World

Ukrainian game studio GSC Game World unveiled plans to include NFT face scans and items in the sequel to S.T.A.L.K.E.R., but they changed course quickly due to the enormous negative response from players.

"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 game's official Twitter account wrote.

The decision comes within a day of the December 15 announcement from the developers that promised players a place in the "Metaverse", which just amounted to having your face scan slapped onto a game character.

Chappell Roan drama sees singer's fandom get political – and pushy
Celebrities Chappell Roan drama sees singer's fandom get political – and pushy

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 foray into this fad is still online at the time of writing, and you can delight, or fume, at the bizarre marketing decisions that tried to make gibberish like "Metaversial bridge" or "unique Meta experience" relevant.

This time at least, the trendy combination of NFTs – the legitimacy of which is being increasingly questioned – and the "Metaverse" being peddled by the likes of Facebook/Meta proved to be one step to far for discerning fans.

Cover photo: GSC Game World

More on Gaming: