Dr Disrespect Responds To Midnight Society NFT Backlash
Herschel "Guy" Beahm IV (aka Dr Disrespect) has come forward to clarify some details about Midnight Society's future after the AAA studio was slammed due to an NFT-related announcement about its upcoming debut game.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) may have taken the world by storm, but for many in the video game industry, they are highly controversial. Some very famous faces who have launched their own NFTs include Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and even Dolly Parton. However, the general opinion of NFTs in the gaming industry is a little more mixed. For example, while Nintendo seemed interested in the idea, Xbox steered clear. Worms developer, Ubisoft Quartz, also backed out of its NFT plans following backlash.
Meanwhile, the new AAA gaming studio Midnight Society, co-founded by YouTuber Dr Disrespect, revealed some exciting information detailing how some fans could get their hands on a Founders Pass. Although the news was welcomed by many fans, some realised that the Pass sounded very NFT-like.
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What Is Midnight Society's New Founders Pass?
Midnight Society teased that there was an exciting announcement on the way on March 15. Many believed that it could be a look at the studio's highly-anticipated debut battle royale game. However, it was actually the news that Midnight Society was launching Founders Access Passes, "which grant the holders exclusive access to the early builds" in its upcoming game.
According to the studio's website, the first 10,000 Midnight Society community members can claim their passes and become "variants." Explaining the scheme further, Studio Head Robert Bowling said: "Variants are active participants in the development of the games and receive early access to the game before it's fully playable, and the ability to join development decision-making processes – among many other perks."
Midnight Society initially didn't specifically make any reference to NFTs. Although, it wasn't long before fans caught on to the project, recognising that by paying the $50 fee for their pass, they were effectively buying an NFT. One frustrated fan on Twitter, pointed out the studio's avoidance of using the taboo word: "You guys are really trying to be vague about this being NFTs.. why? Just say it." Another already said they were "unfollowing" the page following the announcement.
How Did Dr Disrespect Respond To The Backlash?
Following the backlash, Dr Disrespect took to his stream to explain the situation surrounding NFTs in the upcoming game and to quell the backlash. During his stream, the Doc said: "Listen, in regards to NFTs you don't have to have NFTs to play the game [...] It doesn't change your experience of the game once it releases and it will continue to be free-to-play. You can't buy your way to win."
The Two-Time also reassured fans that the Founders Access Pass is "no quick cash grab," and that "for those who want to get more involved, there are ways to do so involving NFTs."
So, it may not have been the announcement we were expecting. However, we did learn that the working title for Midnight Society's upcoming battle royale is Project Moon, which was met with a much more positive response from fans.
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