Discord Pauses Crypto and NFT Plans Due to User Backlash

Discord Addresses NFT Integration Concerns

Jason Citron, founder and CEO of Discord, moved to alleviate user anxieties on Wednesday regarding potential shifts towards NFTs.

Earlier in the week, Citron posted an image on Twitter showcasing the MetaMask crypto wallet integrated within Discord’s interface, accompanied by the phrase “probably nothing.” This is a common expression within the NFT community, often signaling an impending significant development.

Clarification on Crypto Wallet Integration

Citron subsequently clarified his earlier post Wednesday evening, stating that Discord currently has “no plans” to integrate crypto wallets directly into its application.

Discord also released a statement to TechCrunch providing further details regarding their intentions.

Initial Reaction and Community Concerns

The initial screenshot, shared casually by Citron in a reply, wasn't presented as an official announcement. However, it quickly sparked considerable discussion among passionate Discord users.

The company explained that the image stemmed from a community hack week project and wasn’t indicative of an imminent feature release. Nevertheless, the initial impression had already taken hold.

User Backlash and Subscription Cancellations

Discord users apprehensive about the crypto space began advocating for the cancellation of their Nitro subscriptions, Discord’s premium service that supports an ad-free experience.

Outraged fans also referenced a recent company poll inquiring about user perspectives on Web3 and NFTs.

Re-evaluation of Blockchain Technology

Although the screenshot represented only a preliminary mockup, Discord had been actively investigating how blockchain technology could enhance its core functionality.

This exploration will now be paused as Discord reassesses how to best align its values with the communities that actively utilize the platform.

Diverse Concerns Within the Community

Some Discord users attributed their strong reactions to the environmental impact associated with cryptocurrency mining.

Others expressed broader objections to the perceived culture surrounding “NFT bros.” Even within existing NFT communities on Discord, concerns were raised that integrated crypto wallets could worsen the prevalence of crypto scams.

Call to Action and Revenue Impact

A widely circulated tweet, garnering 20,000 likes, urged users to “Cancel your nitro immediately,” citing Citron’s tweet as justification.

The tweet asserted that a noticeable decline in revenue was the only likely catalyst for change.

Discord's Responsiveness and User Sentiment

Citron’s clarification demonstrates that Discord is attentive to its user base.

While numerous NFT projects are hosted on Discord servers, a significant portion of its users have clearly indicated their opposition to the company’s involvement in the crypto business.

Protecting the Current User Experience

The negative response to Discord’s initial crypto explorations underscores the strong user satisfaction with the platform in its current state.

Users of social media generally resist change – evidenced by reactions to even minor Instagram UI updates – but Discord’s user base appears particularly dedicated to preserving the product they currently enjoy.