Gala Games has announced it will shut down The Walking Dead: Empires, a multiplayer survival game built around Ethereum NFTs, by July 31. Developed by Studio Wildcard, the action-adventure role-playing game based on the massive multiplayer game had previously been announced in 2021. Players finally got their hands on its beta version last year. Players needed to create weapons and fortify homes to stay alive. They made use of NFT-based items that were specially crafted to be invincible in their duels. The announcement has been met with widespread pushback, with many Gala Games users calling the development a “rug pull.”

Game Closure and User Compensation

The Walking Dead: Empires was available for playtests in early 2023, and mandated players to craft weapons, build bases, and fight for survival. Thus, Gala Games has abandoned that game, violating its pledge of permanent usefulness for NFT assets. Consequently, these assets stand as frozen moments in time unable to be used in original context. In response to criticisms, the company expressed its intent to provide users with “similar functionality” for the NFTs they already own. This will be the same across other Gala Games products.

"As part of the sunset process, we will be distributing new NFTs of equal functionality in other Gala Games products to TWD:E NFT holders." - Gala Games

The unexpected compensation plan has been the controversial, eyebrow-raising, head-scratcher. Users who purchased at least $10,000 worth of virtual land are now supposedly being awarded $2 mystery boxes instead. The Walking Dead: Empires will no longer be playable after July 31.

Community Backlash

The decision to shut down The Walking Dead: Empires has triggered a wave of criticism from the crypto gaming community. Their anger and frustration at the apparent devaluation of their years of investment and work is understandable. Crypto gaming personality Jesus Martinez, known as Koonie, has been vocal on Twitter against Gala Games’ actions.

"The Walking Dead: Empires officially rugs on Gala," - Jesus Martinez

In the cryptocurrency world, “rug pull” refers to a project that developers at some point leave high and dry. They disappear with the investors’ funds, leaving them high and dry.

Gala Games' Response

Gala Games has attempted to address the concerns surrounding the closure of The Walking Dead: Empires by assuring users that their NFTs will retain value within the Gala Games ecosystem. The firm is committed not only to their creation but to making sure that these digital assets continue to deliver value. This promise extends well beyond the final whistle blows.

"While the game’s journey is coming to an end, we remain committed to ensuring that these NFTs continue to have utility." - Gala Games

The business has tiger forest slot not disclosed any specifics on which games or platforms will follow the replacement NFTs. This lack of transparency ultimately leaves users confused about what their future assets will look like and their potential value or utility.