Gala Games has announced the closure of The Walking Dead: Empires, a blockchain-based survival MMORPG, with servers scheduled to shut down on July 31. The news, posted on April 29, came after over three years of development and more than a year in open beta.

According to the team, this decision was made after "careful consideration" and will allow Gala to refocus its efforts across the wider Gala Games ecosystem. The studio thanked players for their support and promised that NFT holders would not be left behind.

Gala Games to Offer Replacement NFTs for The Walking Dead: Empires Players

As part of the shutdown plan, Gala Games confirmed that NFT assets from The Walking Dead: Empires — including characters, crafting stations, and land — will be exchanged for new NFTs with "equal functionality" in other Gala Games titles.

A redemption system is also in the works, with full details expected in a future announcement. While Gala reassures players that their investments will still hold value in other games, some community members have already voiced concerns about whether these replacement NFTs will truly match the original assets' worth. 

Why Gala Is Shutting Down TWDE

Although Gala Games stopped short of giving a detailed reason, the move reflects broader trends in the blockchain gaming sector.

Launched during the NFT gaming boom of 2021–2022, TWDE initially benefited from strong hype, combining a major entertainment brand with web3 ownership. But like many blockchain games, maintaining active player engagement proved challenging over time.

Declining interest in web3 gaming, combined with heavy competition and evolving player expectations, likely influenced the decision to sunset the project.

What Was The Walking Dead: Empires About?

The Walking Dead: Empires was a blockchain survival MMORPG set in the world of AMC's hit TV show, The Walking Dead. Built by Ember Entertainment and backed by Gala Games, it offered a unique blend of survival gameplay and NFT-based ownership.

Players entered a hostile, walker-infested landscape where the primary goal was survival. By gathering resources, crafting equipment, and building fortified bases, players could withstand zombie hordes — and defend against rival survivors.

Land ownership was another key feature. Owning NFT land parcels not only granted bragging rights but also delivered real gameplay advantages, such as resource bonuses and defensive structures.

How to Play TWDE

In this game, players start by selecting a hero — either generic survivors or, for NFT holders, iconic characters like Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon. Once done, players can scavenge abandoned towns, fight walkers, and build strongholds to stay alive. Key gameplay elements include:

  • Resource Gathering: Collect wood, stone, food, and weapons to survive and expand.
  • Crafting and Building: Create better weapons, defensive structures, and survival tools.
  • Base Defense: Protect your shelter from both the undead and human raiders.
  • PvP Combat: Fight against other players for territory and resources.
  • NFT Integration: Use owned heroes, crafting stations, and land NFTs to enhance performance.

While NFTs offered advantages, the base game was accessible even without blockchain assets — a conscious effort to appeal to mainstream gamers as well as web3 fans.

How TWDE Came About

The journey of The Walking Dead: Empires began in December 2021, when Gala Games first revealed the project during the peak of blockchain gaming excitement.

Its first public playtest took place in August 2022, offering players a taste of the survival mechanics. Open beta officially launched in November 2023, featuring ongoing updates, seasonal events, and content expansions aimed at keeping players engaged.

What's Next for Gala Games and Web3 Gaming Fans?

Even as The Walking Dead: Empires winds down, Gala stresses that it remains committed to its broader ecosystem.

Players holding NFTs from TWDE should stay tuned for updates on the upcoming redemption program. Meanwhile, Gala continues to support other projects, including Mirandus, Spider Tanks, and Champions Arena — all of which offer different takes on blockchain-powered gaming.