Online Chess Platform Immortal Game Drops NFTs and Crypto Elements Due to Cheating Concerns
The team behind Immortal Game, an online chess platform built on Ethereum scaling network Immutable X, has announced that it will no longer incorporate NFTs or play-to-earn crypto elements in its game. The decision comes as a response to the rampant cheating that has been encouraged by these features. The platform will cease accepting its Checkmate token (CMT), shut down its NFT marketplace, remove all crypto references from its website, and discontinue rewarding tournament winners with crypto prizes. These changes took effect on Monday.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
The developers of Immortal Game, known as “Luxo,” stated that the initial intention of incorporating crypto elements was to reward the community. However, they found that the unlimited cash rewards attracted cheaters who compromised the integrity of the platform. Consequently, legitimate players were unable to enjoy a fair and secure environment for playing chess online.
Impact on Players and Assets
Players who possess Immortal chess piece NFTs can still use them in the game’s “Immortal mode.” However, all management and trading of these NFTs must now be done through Immutable’s marketplace and website. Users with custodial wallets are required to transfer their assets to a self-custodied crypto wallet.
Trend of Abandoning Crypto Plans
Immortal Game is not alone in its decision to abandon crypto plans. A report by Game7 reveals that around 50 blockchain games have halted development this year. Other Web3 games that initially emphasized NFT elements have also taken a step back to offer crypto-free versions in compliance with restrictions imposed by platforms like Steam. Neopets and Gran Saga: Unlimited are notable examples of projects that have abandoned their NFT-powered gaming.
Hot Take: Balancing Rewards and Cheating Prevention
The case of Immortal Game highlights the delicate balance between offering financial rewards and preventing cheating in competitive games. While crypto elements were initially intended to reward players, they inadvertently incentivized cheating due to the allure of easy money. As a result, the platform has chosen to prioritize fairness and enjoyment for all players by eliminating these features. This decision underscores the importance of finding innovative ways to prevent cheating while still providing valuable incentives for players.
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