Sq. Enix president Yosuke Matsuda has promised 2023 will probably be one in every of “main evolution and transformation” as the corporate focuses on blockchain leisure.
Again in 2021, the studio confirmed it deliberate to spend money on blockchain and NFTs after the profitable launch of a collection 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, Sq. Enix’s share worth elevated by eight per cent.
Nonetheless in June, Matsuda mentioned: “It’s nonetheless too early to think about making Dragon Quest and Remaining Fantasy blockchain video games.”
In his annual New Yr’s message although, Matsuda confirmed that 2023 will probably be a yr of “main evolution and transformation” with the studio “most centered” on blockchain leisure.
“We’re increasing our features 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 improvement efforts” into blockchain.
“Following the thrill and exhilaration that surrounded NFTs and the metaverse in 2021, 2022 was a yr of nice volatility within the blockchain-related area,” 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’ll 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 area to show a fast revenue have moved on.
“There may be now a pattern to view blockchain know-how as a mere means to an finish and to debate what must occur to attain the tip of delivering new experiences and pleasure to prospects,” he wrote. “I see this as a really helpful improvement for the longer term development of the business.”
It’s been a tremendous yr of video games and 2023 is trying even higher!❄️
Right here’s a message from all of us at Sq. Enix wishing you a Pleased 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 below improvement”, a few of which have already been introduced. “We’re endeavor preparations that can allow us to unveil much more titles this yr.”
“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 Remaining Fantasy 16, with the newest within the long-running collection coming in June.
In different information, the remake of System Shock has introduced a 2023 launch window, almost seven years after the venture was first introduced with a Kickstarter marketing campaign.