Earlier this week, Stalker 2/S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 developers GSC Game World announced it would be selling off NFTs/non-fungible tokens/expensive receipts that grants it owners a presence in the game. A day later, they’ve cancelled those plans.

Here is GSC Game World’s official statement:

“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 interest 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.”

pic.twitter.com/mffnmpiQiw

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) December 16, 2021

The Stalker 2 NFT promo material was talking about how FOMO people would be “the first metahumans” in the “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. metaverse”, using a “metaversial bridge”. Long story short, it’s basically the devs using face-scanning tech to have its fans be NPCs in an upcoming game, with customers paying a lot for the privilege. In spite of all this, GSC Game World said that Stalker 2 isn’t a “blockchain-based game” and that the NFT purchase was optional.

Lots of people called the developer out for this elaborate attempt at advertising, though some of them are OK with the idea. In fact, Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford mention that GSC Game World do not need to use NFTs or blockchain to do this.

Hey bro – you don’t need NFT’s or blockchain to pre-sell unique customized stuff in your game. I’m not into that sort of thing because it’s, like, kind of a shittier version of ad placement. But it’s been done for years and you don’t need NFT’s to do it. Anyway – Love your work! https://t.co/QyKrsGE4oh

— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) December 16, 2021