9 Lives Interactive Shoots Down Nyan Heroes
By Mark Hunter
10 hours agoMon May 19 2025 08:16:10
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- Game developer 9 Lives Interactive has announced the shutdown of its blockchain game Nyan Heroes due to funding challenges
- The game has garnered over one million players across four playtests and 250,000 wishlists on major platforms
- Despite significant milestones, the studio was unable to secure the necessary capital to complete development
Nyan Heroes, a cat-themed hero shooter developed by 9 Lives Interactive, has ceased development following the studio’s inability to secure additional funding. The game achieved notable engagement metrics, including over a million players and substantial interest on platforms like Epic Games Store and Steam. However, financial constraints have led to the project’s termination, a sign of the waning interest in blockchain games.
Nyan Heroes Found Niche Market
Launched in 2021, 9 Lives Interactive introduced Nyan Heroes as a unique blend of feline characters piloting mechs in a hero shooter format. The game quickly gained traction, with its first pre-alpha test in March 2024 attracting significant player interest and over subsequent playtests, the game amassed over one million players and was wishlisted by 250,000 users across Epic Games Store and Steam.
Nyan Heroes stood out not only for its gameplay but also for its integration of Web3 elements. The game featured the $NYAN token on the Solana blockchain and offered Cat NFTs , enhancing player engagement through blockchain-based rewards. The final playtest included a significant airdrop event, distributing 6.7 million $NYAN tokens to participants. These initiatives highlighted the game’s commitment to merging traditional gaming with emerging technologies.
Financial Hurdles End Heroes’ Quest
Despite this momentum, the studio faced challenges in securing the funding necessary to bring the game to full release, and it has been left with no choice but to halt development:
In light of the shutdown, 9 Lives Interactive’s CEO and Creative Director, Max Fu, expressed the studio’s disappointment but also hinted at potential future developments:
It’s been a difficult last few months. Currently, we are exploring acquisition of the studio and/or the IP. Some discussions are underway, but I suspect it may take some time to finalize a decision.
Fu’s comments suggest that while Nyan Heroes, in its current form, has concluded, there may be opportunities for its revival under new stewardship.
The closure of Nyan Heroes underscores the challenges faced by indie developers in the evolving gaming landscape, particularly those integrating novel technologies like blockchain. Despite its innovative approach and initial success, the game’s journey serves as a reminder of the financial hurdles that can impede even the most promising projects.
