In Brief
Game Shutdown: Ragnarok: Monster World, a blockchain-based tower defense game, is set to cease all operations by December 30, 2025, due to financial difficulties.
Service Phase-out: The game will stop all sales and rewards immediately, remaining playable until December 29, 2025, with all services including servers and support set to shut down the following day.
Community Reaction: Following the announcement, the player community expressed a mix of frustration, accusations of mismanagement, and empathy through social media.
Ragnarok: Monster World (ROMW), a game known for merging the thrill of tower defense gameplay with blockchain technology, has announced that it will shut down permanently by the end of 2025. Developed by ZERO X AND (0x&) and licensed by Gravity, the game’s closure is primarily attributed to unresolved financial challenges.
Countdown to Closure
The initial steps towards dismantling the game began this week, with the cessation of product sales and blockchain rewards. ROMW will still be accessible to players until December 29, 2025. However, on this date, all gaming servers will be turned off, along with the associated web access, wallet services, and support for its NFT marketplace and DEX. Following this, on December 30, all customer support and community communication channels will also be shut down.
In their exit note, the developers explained the struggle to keep the game afloat and the difficult decisions that followed consultations with Gravity.
The Journey and Challenges of ROMW
Launched in October 2024, ROMW initially garnered attention for its unique integration of traditional gaming elements with new blockchain features. It enabled players to engage in dynamic real-time battles, manage decks, and trade digital assets through NFTs, enhancing player engagement and investment.
However, its trajectory was marred by controversies such as its separation from the Ronin Network in May 2025. This split occurred after disputes over 0x&’s explorations with other blockchain platforms, which were seen as a breach of trust by Ronin. Afterward, ROMW transitioned to the CROSS Protocol in April 2025, but the relationship was short-lived.
Community Backlash and Reaction
The announcement of the shutdown triggered a spectrum of reactions among players on X and other social media platforms. While some players voiced their disappointments and pointed fingers at the developers for mismanagement, others expressed sympathy, recognizing the challenges the developers faced.
Looking Back
Despite the promising integration of blockchain technology with traditional gaming mechanics, ROMW’s journey was brief. The game’s shutdown signifies a remarkable event in the blockchain gaming industry, illustrating both the opportunities and risks associated with combining new technology with entertainment platforms.
