Shuji Utsumi, co-COO of Japanese multinational video game and entertainment company Sega, is optimistic about the potential of blockchain gaming and the role of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in shaping the future of the industry. In a recent interview with Dengeki Online, Utsumi expressed his positive outlook, emphasizing the evolving nature of blockchain gaming and its ability to cater to new player desires.
“Blockchain gaming is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize the gaming experience,” Utsumi stated. He highlighted the concept of players owning assets and even earning money through blockchain games, which introduces unique experiences previously unseen in the industry. This ownership and monetization aspect significantly enhances player engagement and satisfaction.
Collaboration with Double Jump.Tokyo
Sega has recently licensed its Sangokushi Taisen card game’s intellectual property (IP) to blockchain firm Double Jump.Tokyo. This collaboration aims to develop a new trading card game (TCG) called Battle of Three Kingdoms, featuring NFT cards inspired by the original 2005 game. By partnering with Double Jump.Tokyo, Sega aims to leverage the potential of blockchain gaming and explore the Asian gaming market.
This partnership goes beyond the development of a single game. Utsumi explained that Sega’s contribution of game assets to the project also enables the company to gain valuable insights into the mechanics and development of blockchain games. While acknowledging that blockchain gaming is still relatively uncharted territory for Sega, Utsumi sees it as an opportunity to revive the Sangokushi Taisen IP and expand their understanding of the potential of blockchain technology in the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities
When discussing the challenges faced by crypto games, Utsumi acknowledged the difficulties associated with creating crypto wallets for users. “It is difficult for users to create wallets, so we must get people to play the game first,” he stated. However, Utsumi also sees potential in how NFTs can authentically capture the experience of owning a card, further emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by blockchain gaming.
Sega’s foray into blockchain gaming aligns with the company’s broader strategy of embracing new technologies and exploring innovative business models. By leveraging blockchain technology and partnering with Double Jump.Tokyo, Sega aims to cater to the Asian gaming market and create a mutually beneficial collaboration.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how NFTs can authentically capture the feeling of owning a card,” Utsumi expressed.
Sega’s venture into blockchain gaming mirrors the trend within the industry as more companies realize the potential of this emerging technology. As reported, Animoca Brands, a prominent player in the crypto gaming and metaverse investment space, has also announced plans to launch a metaverse ecosystem token on the Bitcoin network. With companies like Sega and Animoca Brands leading the way, the future of the video game industry is set to be transformed by blockchain gaming and NFTs.
