Psyonix, the team behind Rocket League, has announced that they will halt in-game item trading by December 5 on every platform. This move highlights the increasing worries about closed gaming environments and their effect on players' ownership of in-game properties, a problem that NFTs are trying to address.

Rocket League allows its players to obtain a range of items, such as unique cars, patterns, and other accessories, either by using various in-game currencies or by buying bundles with real money. This upcoming halt in item trading might upset a segment of its large player community, reportedly reaching 91.5 million active users per month.

The gaming community responded quickly and predominantly negatively, as seen in the flood of social media criticism and a Change.org petition. This petition, which calls for keeping item trading in the game, collected more than 11,200 supporters in just a little over 24 hours. The disapproval largely comes from the hefty amounts some have spent on the game, with several players investing thousands in pursuit of rare in-game items.

In line with Epic Games' general views on in-game cosmetics and store rules, Psyonix is committed to making sure that in-game items stay non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and non-marketable. This decision not only reflects Epic's broader guidelines but also sets the stage for future collaboration. There are plans to bring some Rocket League vehicles into other games from Epic, promoting cross-game item ownership.

The decision by Psyonix has sparked renewed discussion on the topic of closed gaming ecosystems. In contrast, the open model championed by NFTs is gaining more attention. NFTs provide a system that safeguards players' rights to own and trade in-game assets across multiple platforms.

The current situation in Rocket League highlights the potential benefits of utilizing blockchain technology in the gaming world, which might help prevent similar disputes in the coming years.

As a large part of the gaming community opposes the end of in-game trading, this unfolding event might shape the future course of asset control and ownership in the wider world of gaming.