Grandt Theft Auto

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of game publisher Take-Two Interactive, has flagged his support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their future in the gaming industry, though he remains concerned about their volatility and the prospect of NFTs dividing gamers globally.

NFTs – ‘A Good Fit’

Zelnick recently stated that he feels NFTs are a “good fit” for the company’s future offerings. Yet the publisher of legendary gaming franchise Grand Theft Auto went on to say that his company is wary of “speculation” considering the current state of the industry.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. Source: game-news24.com

We want to make sure that consumers always have a good experience every time they engage with our properties and losing money on a speculation is not a good experience, so we’re going to stay away from speculation. However, we’re highly convinced there’s an opportunity for NFTs to fit with Take-Two’s offerings in the future.
Strauss Zelnick, CEO, Take-Two Interactive

Zelnick’s caveat may put GTA fans at ease for the moment, particularly as anticipation for the release date of the sixth franchise instalment starts to mount. And while Zelnick has said the company believes in rare goods and collectibles, this may change in future. Caveats aside, a lot of fans still aren’t buying it:

A greedy publisher that thinks NFTs are a "Good Fit" let me fake shock and awe. Adding to the list of other publishers that don't care about morality and ethical practices towards there consumer base. The video game industry becomes a bigger dumpster fire with every passing day.
— Joshua Neil Ortiz (@TooSweetMeBro) February 8, 2022

NFTs Polarise Gaming Industry

NFTs within the gaming industry seem to be increasingly polarising. Ubisoft recently caused its fan base and the greater community to revolt over its decision to bring NFTs to the Ghost Recon series. The release of an NFT trailer at the end of 2021 sent Twitter and YouTube into meltdown, and there seems to be no sign of the conversation slowing.

Even popular YouTube gaming channel, the AngryJoeShow, spent some time berating the use of NFTs in a recent video:

This outrage has seen several game publishers and developers pull back on their plans to implement NFTs. The Ethereum video game Worms cancelled its own NFT plans after the decision caused longtime supporters to walk away. Japanese multinational giant Sega has also reconsidered its future due to negative opinions.

By Lauren Claxton, Crypto News Guest Author