Sega Co-COO Shuji Utsumi has expressed optimism about the potential of blockchain gaming and the unique role that NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) could play in the future of the video game industry. This follows his earlier comments to Bloomberg, where he had referred to play-to-earn games as “boring.” In a recent interview, Utsumi discussed the evolving landscape of blockchain games and the novel opportunities they bring to players. He emphasized that owning in-game assets, and in some cases, earning money through blockchain gaming, introduces new dynamics and desires for players that didn’t exist before.
SEGA executive comments on collaboration with Jump.Tokyo
The executive sees this as a transitional phase for the industry, signaling its ongoing transformation. Utsumi’s comments were made in the context of the firm’s collaboration with blockchain firm Double Jump.Tokyo, where Sega has licensed its Sangokushi Taisen card game’s intellectual property (IP) for the development of a new trading card game (TCG) called Battle of Three Kingdoms, featuring NFT cards inspired by the original 2005 game. The primary target market for this Sega-licensed TCG is Asia’s gaming community. It is set to launch with over 100 different cards and will receive continuous game patches and updates post-launch.
Utsumi explained that this partnership aims to “revive” the original game’s IP while ensuring the protection of its essence. Sega’s Co-COO shared that the producer of the original Sangokushi Taisen game will oversee the development of Battle of Three Kingdoms, and Sega will contribute game assets as part of this collaboration. This exchange of resources is mutually beneficial, as Sega gains insights into the world of blockchain games while Double Jump.Tokyo leverages the company’s well-known IP. Utsumi stressed that Sega’s foray into blockchain gaming is part of a broader strategy to adapt to new technologies and explore innovative business models.
Overcoming challenges and exploring the potential of NFTs
Blockchain technology aligns with Sega’s goal of utilizing advanced tech and creating content that resonates with fans in Japan and other Asian countries. However, Utsumi acknowledged the challenges that crypto games currently face, particularly in the integration of crypto wallets. These wallets are necessary for users to manage their assets like NFTs but can be a hurdle due to the complexities of creating and connecting wallets to game platforms. For Sega, the priority is to get players engaged with the game before delving into the intricacies of crypto wallets. In essence, Sega sees blockchain gaming as an opportunity to enhance the player experience and explore new avenues for player ownership within games.
Utsumi looks forward to the potential of NFTs in authentically capturing the feeling of owning unique in-game assets, such as cards in a trading card game. Sega’s partnership with Double Jump.Tokyo to development of Battle of Three Kingdoms exemplifies the gaming industry’s shift towards blockchain technology and NFTs. It signifies Sega’s commitment to evolving and adapting to new technologies while staying true to the essence of their cherished gaming IP. As the industry continues to explore these technologies, challenges like crypto wallet integration are being addressed to provide players with a seamless and engaging gaming experience. The evolving landscape of blockchain gaming holds promise for both players and developers as they navigate this exciting frontier.
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