STALKER 2 devs cancel NFT plans after widespread backlash

STALKER 2 (Image credit: GSC Game World)

What you need to know

STALKER 2 developer GSC Game World has announced that it has canceled its plans for its NFT-driven "STALKER Metaverse."
This announcement came after widespread backlash from fans and critics alike, who have argued against NFTs due to their impact on the environment.
STALKER 2 is expected to launch on April 28, 2022 for Xbox and PC and will cost $60.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl developer GSC Game World has announced that the studio's plans for an NFT-driven "STALKER Metaverse" have been cancelled following near-universal backlash from various game communities as well as the game industry at large.

"We hear you. Based on the feedback we received, we've made a decision to cancel anything NFT-related in STALKER 2," the developers wrote. "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."

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets that are verified using cryptographic blockchain code. NFTs were originally conceptualized as a way to sidestep the banking elite that dominate markets, but due to the significantly negative effects many blockchains have on the environment, the usage of NFTs has been widely criticized. These criticisms, alongside accusations that the developers were trying to profit off of a fad, ultimately drove GSC Game World to cancel their NFT plans.

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GSC Game World originally had plans to create a "STALKER Metaverse" that would have shipped along with STALKER 2, giving players opportunities to buy, trade, and sell STALKER-themed NFTs. Some of these would have included three in-game NPCs that would have been created by scanning the faces of each of the three people that owned one of these NPC NFTs. Presumably the STALKER Metaverse would have expanded much farther beyond these NFTs if the developers implemented it fully.

STALKER 2 is expected to release on April 28, 2022 on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One consoles, and Windows PCs. The game will cost $60, and will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. With any luck, it will end up becoming one of the best Xbox shooters available.

Welcome to the Zone

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl

Good hunting, stalker...

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl will be full of dangerous threats, both human and supernatural. Additionally, there will be several factions to consider joining and there's also going to be a sprawling non-linear story to enjoy. Are you ready to enter the Zone?

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Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).