Simon Ng Japanese Gaming Giant Sega to Withdraw Support from Blockchain Games Due to Lack of Fun
Sega, one of Japan’s leading game developers, recently made an announcement regarding its stance on blockchain and Web3 gaming. The company stated that it will no longer involve its flagship franchises in blockchain initiatives to protect the value of its intellectual properties (IPs). As a result, Sega will shelve in-house developed blockchain games and projects from third parties.
Sega Revises its Strategy for Blockchain Gaming
Sega, a prominent Japanese game development and publishing company, was once a proponent of blockchain games but has now decided to withdraw its support for such initiatives. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi revealed that the company is discontinuing games that utilize blockchain technology.
Utsumi further clarified that Sega will not license its most renowned intellectual properties (IPs) to third parties involved in blockchain games to prevent any devaluation of its content. However, he mentioned that less prominent franchises like Three Kingdoms and Virtua Fighter might be made available for use in non-fungible token (NFT) projects.
Utsumi’s statements mark a significant shift from Sega’s previous stance on blockchain games, as the company had been actively involved in multiple projects as a developer and had licensed its IPs to third parties. In April 2022, Sega hinted at incorporating NFT and blockchain elements into its “super game” concept, with plans to invest over $800 million in this initiative.
Additionally, in October, Sega announced the release of its first licensed blockchain game, based on its Sangokushi Taisen franchise and developed using Oasys technology, a gaming-focused blockchain project.
Sega Finds Blockchain Games “Boring”
Utsumi explained the rationale behind Sega’s decision and his personal opinion on blockchain games. He stated:
“The gameplay in play-to-earn games is boring. What’s the point if the games aren’t fun? We are assessing whether this technology will truly thrive in our industry.”
However, Utsumi emphasized that Sega has not completely ruled out the inclusion of blockchain elements in its games as the technology matures. He acknowledged that the company should not underestimate blockchain advocates and their innovative proposals for the gaming space, even if they may seem somewhat extreme.
In contrast, Square Enix, another Japanese gaming company known for supporting the integration of blockchain and NFT elements in AAA games, announced in January that it would expand its blockchain initiatives, revealing ongoing development of multiple blockchain games based on original IPs.
What are your thoughts on Sega’s revised policy regarding blockchain games? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about blockchain games
What is Sega’s new stance on blockchain games?
Sega has decided to withdraw its support for blockchain games, citing them as “boring” and lacking in fun. The company will not involve its major franchises in blockchain initiatives to protect the value of its intellectual properties.
Will Sega license its intellectual properties (IPs) for blockchain games?
No, Sega has announced that it will not license its most prominent IPs to third parties involved in blockchain games. This decision is aimed at preventing any potential devaluation of its content. However, lesser-known franchises like Three Kingdoms and Virtua Fighter may be considered for use in non-fungible token (NFT) projects.
Is Sega completely closing the door on blockchain games?
No, Sega is not completely ruling out the inclusion of blockchain elements in its games in the future. While the company finds current blockchain games boring, it acknowledges that the technology may evolve and has expressed openness to reconsidering its stance as the industry develops.
How does Sega’s stance on blockchain games compare to other companies?
Sega’s stance on blockchain games differs from that of Square Enix, another Japanese gaming company. While Sega is withdrawing support, Square Enix has embraced blockchain and NFT elements, with plans to incorporate them into multiple AAA games based on their original IPs. The two companies have taken contrasting approaches to the integration of blockchain technology in gaming.
More about blockchain games
- Sega – Official website of Sega, the Japanese gaming giant.
- Bloomberg – News source providing the interview with Sega’s co-Chief Operating Officer, Shuji Utsumi.
- Square Enix – Official website of Square Enix, another prominent Japanese gaming company known for its involvement in blockchain and NFT elements in gaming.
3 comments
What?! Sega pulling out of blockchain games? This is so disappointing! I was excited to see what they would do with NFTs. But I guess they want to protect their IPs. Hopefully, they’ll change their mind later and bring us some awesome blockchain games. Fingers crossed!
So Sega thinks blockchain games are boring? That’s a big change for them. I guess they don’t want their IPs to lose value. But hey, at least they might let some of their smaller franchises be used in NFT projects. Gotta keep an eye on Square Enix, though, they’re still into blockchain games!
Sega used to be all about blockchain games, but now they’re like “nah, it’s boring”. I get it, games should be fun, right? But who knows, maybe they’ll come back to it in the future. Square Enix is still going strong with blockchain, tho!