After inviting massive backlash by announcing it was including NFTs in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, GSC Game World has canceled the inclusion and apologized to fans.

The developer posted the following letter on Twitter last night following yesterday's now-deleted announcement.

Dear stalkers, we hear you.
Based on the feedback we received, we've made a decision to cancel anything NFT-related in STALKER 2.
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.
With love, GSC Game World team.

pic.twitter.com/mffnmpiQiw

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

The statement comes less than 48 hours since S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 announced that players could purchase NFTs via auction, which would alter NPC appearances among other in-game items. According to the Wednesday announcement, players could purchase the rights to get their likeness in the game via an NFT auction.

The post was hit with immediate backlash from fans of the series. The game's subreddit immediately erupted in unified rejection of the plan, with some claiming they wouldn't purchase the game despite the 13-year wait for it.

Initially, GSC Game World attempted to defend themselves against the backlash with an all-caps message saying the NFTs would provide them with some additional financial resources.

As one might expect, the defense did little to assuage angered fans and was deleted shortly after. Now that they've vowed not to include NFTs in the game, time will tell if the fans will get back on board or if the damage has been done.