GSC Game World announces it is also doing the blockchain thing, announcing the
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Metaverse, a
marketplace for unique items for
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl,
the
slightly overdue shooter sequel. GSC has
never been stellar at
handling real
money, so maybe virtual transactions will work out better. Word is the first
drop will involve the opportunity to play as an NPC (as contradictory as that
sounds). This will be followed by more a secretive second release. In any event
they promise these blockchain items will not effect gameplay:
Beginning in
December 2021, users may register for item drops that will evolve into a new
gaming feature built on top of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The first drop will take place
via auction and is scheduled for January, 2022. As part of the drop series, the
first-ever metahuman will be released and exposed to hundreds of millions of
gamers worldwide. In-game, the metahuman will appear as an 'NPC', or a
non-playable character. The face of the real owner will be recreated in the game
by using photogrammetry technology, resulting in the highest possible level of
realism.
The second drop will follow in February with the highly secretive genesis packs.
The next drops will be announced on Twitter and Discord.
To add, any S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2-related drops won't influence the gameplay itself
or give in-game advantages over other players.