OpenSea faces community backlash over OS2 beta access restrictions

OpenSea, the popular NFT marketplace, has faced significant criticism following the launch of its OS2 private beta, which is exclusively available to holders of Gemesis NFTs.

On January 28, OpenSea announced that nearly 50,000 Gemesis NFT holders could access the upgraded platform after a snapshot was taken of eligible wallets.

This move has sparked frustration among many users who feel sidelined, particularly high-volume traders who have contributed significantly to the platform but do not hold Gemesis NFTs.

NFT trader TylerD expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, noting that despite having over $10 million in lifetime trading volume on OpenSea, he was excluded from the beta due to not owning a Gemesis NFT.

Critics argue that OpenSea's decision to prioritise NFT holders over loyal users undermines the contributions of those who have supported the platform since its inception.

The backlash intensified as users discovered that the new platform does not offer retroactive points for previous activity, meaning all participants start from scratch in terms of rewards.

Beanie, another prominent NFT trader, accused OpenSea of neglecting its early supporters and called for the community to devalue any future token issued by the platform.

In response to the criticism, OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer acknowledged the contributions of early users but did not provide specific solutions to address their concerns.

The speculation surrounding a potential OpenSea token airdrop has also fueled discussions within the community.

While some view this as an opportunity for rewards similar to those offered by competitors like Blur (CRYPTO:BLUR) and Magic Eden (CRYPTO:ME), others remain skeptical about the feasibility given regulatory uncertainties in the U.S.