Gaming giant Sega is venturing into the blockchain gaming arena by co-developing a trading card NFT game based on its popular franchise, Sangokushi Taisen. This move comes amidst a growing trend of well-established gaming corporations exploring blockchain technology and its potential impact on the gaming industry. Sega’s Co-COO, Shuji Utsumi, has expressed optimistic sentiments regarding blockchain gaming, signaling a shift from his previous stance where he found play-to-earn games lacking in excitement. He now recognizes that blockchain gaming could introduce novel elements such as asset ownership and potential earnings for players, features that were not prevalent in traditional gaming scenarios.
Sega’s venture into blockchain gaming represents a broader strategic initiative to adapt to emerging technologies and explore new business models. In a bold move, Sega has licensed the intellectual property (IP) of its Sangokushi Taisen card game to blockchain firm Double Jump. The collaboration aims to develop a new trading card game titled Battle of Three Kingdoms, featuring NFT cards inspired by the original 2005 game. This venture primarily targets Asia’s gaming market and aims to rejuvenate the original game’s IP while maintaining necessary protections. With over 100 different cards, the game is expected to receive continuous support through patches and updates post-launch, demonstrating Sega’s long-term commitment to the project.
A significant hurdle identified by Utsumi is the integration of crypto wallets, which are crucial for managing assets like NFTs in blockchain games. Crypto wallets require users to go through several steps to make purchases or list items for sale, potentially deterring potential players. Utsumi emphasizes the importance of simplifying this process to encourage more players to engage with the game. The challenge of crypto wallet integration reflects a broader issue within the blockchain gaming sphere, where user-friendliness and accessibility are paramount for broader adoption.
Utsumi envisions the collaboration with Double Jump as a “win-win” scenario. Sega will provide game assets for the development of Battle of Three Kingdoms while gaining valuable insights into the workings of blockchain game development. This collaborative effort facilitates Sega’s entry into blockchain gaming and provides an opportunity for learning and growth in this emerging field. By combining the strengths of both companies, Sega and Double Jump aim to create an innovative gaming experience that leverages the benefits of blockchain technology.
Sega’s cautious yet optimistic venture into blockchain gaming marks a significant step in recognizing the potential of blockchain technology within the gaming industry. While challenges like crypto wallet integration remain, the collaborative effort with Double Jump showcases a promising pathway for established gaming corporations to explore and integrate blockchain technology, potentially ushering in a new era of gaming experiences. With the ability to introduce asset ownership and earnings for players, blockchain gaming has the potential to revolutionize the way games are played and experienced.
Sega’s foray into blockchain gaming demonstrates its willingness to adapt to emerging technologies and explore new business models. By collaborating with Double Jump, Sega aims to create an exciting trading card NFT game that appeals to the Asian gaming market. While challenges exist, such as simplifying the process of crypto wallet integration, Sega’s entry into blockchain gaming signifies a broader recognition of the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the gaming industry. As more established gaming corporations explore this space, we can expect to see innovative gaming experiences that leverage the benefits of blockchain technology, providing players with new opportunities for asset ownership and earnings.
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