Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda has promised 2023 will likely be considered one of “main evolution and transformation” as the corporate focuses on blockchain leisure.
Again in 2021, the studio confirmed it planned to invest in blockchain and NFTs after the profitable launch of a sequence of Million Arthur tokens.
In the beginning of 2022, Matsuda as soon as once more reiterated plans to discover blockchain, NFT and metaverse-based video games. Regardless of backlash from gamers, Square Enix’s share price increased by eight per cent.
Nonetheless in June, Matsuda mentioned: “It’s still too early to consider making Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy blockchain video games.”
In his annual New Yr’s message although, Matsuda confirmed that 2023 will likely be a 12 months of “main evolution and transformation” with the studio “most centered” on blockchain leisure.
“We’re increasing our capabilities in order that we will seize as a lot of the upside as potential from the digital shift that has been gaining momentum for the reason that outbreak of the pandemic,” wrote Matsuda, earlier than confirming that Sq. Enix had already “devoted aggressive funding and enterprise growth efforts” into blockchain.
“Following the thrill and exhilaration that surrounded NFTs and the metaverse in 2021, 2022 was a 12 months of nice volatility within the blockchain-related house,” he continued. “Nonetheless, if this proves to have been a step in a course of that results in the creation of guidelines and a extra clear enterprise atmosphere, it can undoubtedly have been for the nice of the expansion of blockchain leisure.”
Following the “turbulence within the cryptocurrency business” Matsuda believes these individuals who had been solely within the house to show a fast revenue have moved on.
“There’s now a development to view blockchain expertise as a mere means to an finish and to debate what must occur to realize the tip of delivering new experiences and pleasure to prospects,” he wrote. “I see this as a really useful growth for the long run development of the business.”
It’s been an incredible 12 months of video games and 2023 is wanting even higher!❄️
Right here’s a message from all of us at Sq. Enix wishing you a Glad New Yr!
📽️ https://t.co/C9hdvi1GwZ pic.twitter.com/AOSRXdjizg
— Sq. Enix (@SquareEnix) December 31, 2022
Matsuda then confirmed Sq. Enix had “a number of blockchain video games primarily based on unique IPs beneath growth”, a few of which have already been introduced. “We’re endeavor preparations that may allow us to unveil much more titles this 12 months.”
“Blockchain has been an object of exhilaration and a supply of turmoil, however with that within the rearview mirror, we hope that blockchain video games will transition to a brand new stage of development in 2023,” he added.
Away from the metaverse, Sq. Enix is gearing as much as launch Final Fantasy 16, with the latest in the long-running series coming in June.
In different information, the remake of System Shock has introduced a 2023 release window, almost seven years after the venture was first introduced with a Kickstarter marketing campaign.
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