Game of Thrones NFT collection sells out despite criticism
The launch of the “Game of Thrones: Build Your Realm” non-fungible token (NFT) collection on the Nifty’s marketplace was met with mixed reactions.
Game of Thrones NFT launch faced multiple issues
Despite being a highly-anticipated opportunity for fans of the popular fantasy series to own a virtual collectible of the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones”, the collection was criticized for its poor artwork and technical issues.
The release of the “Game of Thrones: Build Your Realm” NFT collection, created in partnership with digital production company Daz 3D, allowed collectors to experience the beloved fantasy series in a new way by creating their own unique realms and avatars, featuring various elements from the “Game of Thrones” universe. The collection sold out within hours of its release.
Due to the high demand for the NFTs, technical issues arose during the launch, causing Nifty to halt the buying process temporarily to address the congestion. Along with the technical issues, fans were also disappointed with the artwork of the NFTs themselves. Critics of the collection took to social media to express their disappointment in the poor designs of the NFTs.
Overall, the launch of the “Game of Thrones: Build Your Realm” NFT collection may have had its fair share of issues, but it’s clear that there is still a huge demand for digital collectibles tied to popular franchises. In future collections, creators need to consider feedback from the community and improve on the NFT’s artwork and release process to avoid similar criticisms.
Game of Thrones’ previous NFT venture
Back in 2022, Funko, known for its popular stylized collectible figurines, expanded their Digital Pop! collection with a new line of NFTs based on Game of Thrones. The collection became available for purchase in October and featured NFTs of popular characters such as Jaime Lannister, Arya Stark, and Daenerys with a Dragon Egg.
Fans were able to find the collection on the pop-culture NFT website Droppp.io with standard packs of 5 Digital Pop! figurines costing $9.99 and decoration packs of 15 Digital Pop! figurines costing $29.99. The collections were available in limited quantities, with only 1000 NFTs available through the drop and each collection only available in 1250 packs, requiring fans to act quickly to secure their desired collectible.
Funko had previously joined forces with Warner Bros. for their “phygital” DC Comics products which were available exclusively through retail giant Walmart. However, the Game of Thrones NFTs were distributed through the World Asset eXchange blockchain and could be claimed by linking the cryptocurrency wallet to the platform.
This partnership with Warner Bros. allowed Funko to explore the potential of NFTs in retail stores and online merchants, according to CEO Andrew Perlmutter. Meanwhile, Josh Hackbarth, Head of NFT Commercial Development at Warner Bros., praised the collaboration, which saw a much smoother launch than the “Game of Thrones: Build Your Realm” NFT collection.
As the use of NFTs becomes more widespread, mainstream names in the entertainment industry will likely follow in the footsteps of “Game of Thrones” and release their own NFT collections or initiatives.
