ERA7

I've been following the #SaveMassEffect movement, and I want to add my voice to this campaign.

Mass Effect has always held a special place in my heart. It's more than just a game series to me. It's an incredible universe filled with unforgettable characters, stories, emotions, and a sense of wonder that few other games have managed to capture.

As a professional 2D/3D artist and the creator of my own sci-fi universe, Spiritus, I can honestly say that Mass Effect has been one of my creative inspirations over the years.

And I don't want to see this universe disappear.

So, here's my personal offer to the #SaveMassEffect community.

If there is ever a legitimate opportunity to bring Mass Effect back through crowdfunding, an independent development initiative, or another officially authorized project, I would be happy to contribute my artistic skills as a volunteer.

I specialize in sci-fi artwork, space environments, cinematic illustrations, and 2D/3D art. And while I've spent most of my professional career working independently, I would be honored to contribute to a universe that has inspired me so much.

I'm also open to helping the current #SaveMassEffect fan campaign with promotional artwork or other creative contributions, if the organizers could use my skills.

I'm not making this offer for money or recognition. I'm making it because I believe that great fictional universes deserve a future, and because sometimes, as artists and fans, we have an opportunity to give something back to the stories that inspired us.

To everyone supporting this movement: thank you for refusing to give up.

⭐️And to everyone who loves Mass Effect: what does this universe mean to you? Would you support a community-backed effort to help secure its future?

The galaxy is worth fighting for.

Hold the line, Commander❤️

~ ERA7

🌌 My portfolio: https://era7.space

#SaveMassEffect #MassEffect #BioWare #SciFi #DigitalArt

Hello everyone!

It's been almost two months since BitPay disappeared from DeviantArt's withdrawal options, and unfortunately, we still have no clear answers about when-or even whether-it will return.

I've been following discussions on Reddit, contacting DeviantArt Support, and talking with other affected artists. Recently, some artists have even started contacting me directly, asking if I've heard anything new.

So I thought it would be helpful to share what we currently know.

What has been confirmed?

• In late August, DeviantArt acknowledged an issue with BitPay and temporarily disabled the withdrawal option.

• On September 15, DeviantArt Support confirmed to me that they were in contact with BitPay and working to resolve the issue.

• As of October 27, I haven't found any official announcement confirming a restoration date or permanent removal.

• Interestingly, DeviantArt's Help Center still lists BitPay as an available withdrawal method.

What about the Reddit rumors?

On October 6, a Reddit user shared an unverified report suggesting that BitPay might not return until the first quarter of 2027.

Please note: this is NOT official information. The claims have not been independently verified, and I would strongly recommend treating them as rumors rather than confirmed facts.

You can read the discussion here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DeviantArt/comments/1wzc8kc/

What can artists do instead?

Unfortunately, there is no universal replacement for BitPay, especially for artists living in countries where PayPal and Stripe are unavailable.

However, here are several options worth considering:

⭐️1. Try EasyStaff

EasyStaff (https://easystaff.io/) is an international payment service that may be an option for artists who cannot receive PayPal or Stripe payments directly.

They can receive payments through their supported payment infrastructure, including PayPal-based arrangements, and may be connected to DeviantArt as a payout recipient, subject to eligibility and platform requirements.

However, please check their fees, minimum withdrawal amounts, country restrictions, and content policies before using them. The additional costs can be significant.

⭐️2. Find a trustworthy payment intermediary

Another possibility is working with a legitimate payment intermediary who can help you receive international payments.

However, please be extremely careful. Verify their reputation, fees, legal compliance, and reliability. Never share your DeviantArt password or account access, and avoid arrangements that violate platform or payment-provider rules.

⭐️3. Consider relocation

This may sound extreme, but for artists who depend entirely on international clients, relocating to a country with better access to payment services may be worth considering as a long-term solution.

Of course, this is a major life decision involving immigration requirements, taxes, banking, and living expenses. It isn't a realistic short-term solution for everyone.

⭐️4. Wait for BitPay to return

Technically, waiting is still an option. However, I personally wouldn't recommend relying on it.

We have no confirmed restoration date, and there is no guarantee that BitPay will return anytime soon.

If you have urgent financial obligations, it's much safer to develop an alternative payment method rather than depend on an uncertain timeline.

⭐️5. Use DeviantArt for promotion and accept payments elsewhere

This may be the most practical option for many commission artists. You can continue using DeviantArt to showcase your portfolio, promote your work, and attract potential clients, while accepting new commission payments through other platforms or payment services available in your country.

Just make sure your payment arrangements comply with the relevant platform rules.

This won't necessarily solve the problem of earnings already held on DeviantArt, but it can help prevent future income from becoming inaccessible.

Final thoughts

I still hope BitPay will return, because DeviantArt remains an important platform for my work and for many other artists.

But after nearly two months without a clear resolution, I think it's important to start considering alternatives rather than putting our businesses on hold indefinitely.

My personal advice: don't abandon your audience on DeviantArt, but don't make your entire income dependent on a single withdrawal method either.

If you've found another reliable way to receive your earnings, please share your experience in the comments. It could genuinely help other artists facing the same problem.

Thank you for reading, and I hope we'll all have better news soon!