Indie game store itch.io calls NFTs ‘a scam’ in fiery statement
“F*** any company that says they support creators and also endorses NFTs in any way”
Indie game marketplace itchi.io has made its position on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) clear, calling them a “scam” in a fiery statement published on its social media accounts.
In a Twitter thread posted on Sunday, the company made a statement in response to people asking its stance on NFTs.
“NFTs are a scam,” it said. “If you think they are legitimately useful for anything other than the exploitation of creators, financial scams, and the destruction of the planet the we ask that you please re-evaluate your life choices.
“Also, fuck any company that says they support creators and also endorses NFTs in any way. They only care about their own profit and the opportunity for wealth above anyone else.
“Especially given the now easily available discourse concerning the problems of NFTs. How can you be so dense?”
NFTs are unique non-interchangeable units of data stored on a blockchain (a form of digital ledger), which effectively allow users to own, buy and sell digital items such as in-game items or artwork.
Many game companies have already started selling digital items as NFTs, such as Ubisoft and Konami, while others such as Square Enix have expressed enthusiasm for the tech trend.
However, itch.io’s statement is the latest example of the growing backlash against NFTs from numerous players and developers alike.
Last week Team17 quickly U-turned on its intention to enter the NFT space after the scheme received public criticism from a number of development studios whose games were recently distributed by the publisher.
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Ubisoft is reportedly giving out NFTs to its developers
A number of other NFT schemes have been cancelled following a negative reception, with the likes of prolific video game voice actor Troy Baker and Stalker 2 developer GSC Game World backtracking on plans following backlashes.
Others companies, however, have been more resistant to criticism of their NFT plans, with one Ubisoft executive recently claiming players just “don’t get it”.
