Gaming Giant Sega Reconsiders Blockchain Involvement
In Brief
Despite Sega’s previous exploration of using NFTs in gaming and signing blockchain partnership deals, their COO has stated that play to earn crypto games are no fun to play and they are now waiting to see if blockchain-related games will really take off before committing.
Sega’s Chief Operating Officer, Shuji Utsumi, recently expressed doubts about the entertainment value of play-to-earn (P2E) crypto games, stating that they are “no fun” to play. This came as a surprise given Sega’s previous ventures into blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and the company’s partnerships with prominent crypto and gaming firms.
Sega has shown enthusiasm for NFTs and blockchain technology, notably through their upcoming partnership with doublejump.tokyo, a leading blockchain gaming company in Japan. However, Utsumi’s comments raise questions about whether Sega sees blockchain as a sustainable avenue for the gaming industry.
Sega’s stance on P2E games has raised eyebrows in the gaming community. Gamespot reported that the company is unwilling to experiment with blockchain using its most renowned franchises as guinea pigs. As such, characters from beloved games like Sonic and Yakuza won’t be appearing in NFT marketplaces in the near future.
Gaming studio Sega was once regarded among the staunchest advocates of blockchain gaming. Now, it's pulling back https://t.co/Z8fesHktpA
— Bloomberg (@business) July 6, 2023
The controversy around blockchain gaming has grown with gamers expressing disdain for games that incorporate elements of crypto and blockchain. Yet, advocates argue that crypto and blockchain are perfect companions.
Asian-based gaming firms have largely backed the potential of blockchain. Despite substantial backlash, companies like Tokyo-based Final Fantasy developer Square Enix, South Korean WeMade, and Nexon continue to push forward with their blockchain gaming initiatives.
Sega’s Future
However, Sega’s candid skepticism may challenge the resolve of these gaming giants. Utsumi hasn’t entirely dismissed crypto. He cited Sega’s ongoing blockchain-related projects and IP provision plans. However, the company’s hesitance to risk its top IPs in P2E gaming is a blow to blockchain advocates.
The teaser site and trailer for "Battle of Three Kingdoms" have been released!
— Battle of Three Kingdoms (@b3k_games) June 29, 2023
Check out the site at https://t.co/DbyaNdxd4z and follow @b3k_games for the latest updates! #B3K #BattleofThreeKingdoms #NFT pic.twitter.com/LMynyPsYig
If more companies decide to follow Sega’s cautious approach, this could spell uncertainty for the nascent industry. Sega’s shift in stance might prompt others to reconsider their commitment to blockchain gaming, casting doubts on its future.
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About The Author
Nik is an accomplished analyst and writer at Metaverse Post, specializing in delivering cutting-edge insights into the fast-paced world of technology, with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, XR, VR, on-chain analytics, and blockchain development. His articles engage and inform a diverse audience, helping them stay ahead of the technological curve. Possessing a Master's degree in Economics and Management, Nik has a solid grasp of the nuances of the business world and its intersection with emergent technologies.
More articlesNik is an accomplished analyst and writer at Metaverse Post, specializing in delivering cutting-edge insights into the fast-paced world of technology, with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, XR, VR, on-chain analytics, and blockchain development. His articles engage and inform a diverse audience, helping them stay ahead of the technological curve. Possessing a Master's degree in Economics and Management, Nik has a solid grasp of the nuances of the business world and its intersection with emergent technologies.