Square Enix does not seem to be relenting in its determination to incorporate NFTs into new games like Symbiogenesis and even popular franchises like Final Fantasy 7. With the recent announcement that Square Enix President Yosuke Matsuda may be stepping down, opponents of blockchain technology in video games were hopeful that the Japanese company would back down on NFTs. However, that turns out to not be the case.
The company first made clear that it was interested in NFTs in 2022, which led to a bump in its stock prices despite predominantly negative feedback from fans. As other game studios began to back off from blockchain tech in response to gamer backlash, Square Enix reiterated its move toward NFTs in a New Year’s letter instead, and Matsuda recently stated that the company will begin launching blockchain video games within the next year.
Rather than taking a step back from blockchain tech as many fans have hoped, Square Enix recently launched the official website and released the first trailer for its upcoming NFT-based game Symbiogenesis. While the brief teaser doesn’t provide much info about the title, the website reveals quite a bit more, and it may be enticing for people who are interested in or don’t mind NFTs in their video games.
Games Hub has offered a convenient summary of the information provided on Square Enix's Symbiogenesis website. The game will feature 10,000 “collectible artworks,” or NFTs, which will have “real game utility.” These artworks will be based on the different characters, as well as their races and professions, and players will be able to use them as profile pictures. However, they won’t be available all at once because the game will unfold in six major chapters, each coming with its own set of NFTs that contribute to the story.
As for that story, Symbiogenesis takes place on a floating continent, which can be seen in the trailer and is the last safe place to live on an Earth that has been ruined by pollution. There is apparently no more conflict, so the people live peacefully while slowly attempting to regain knowledge of the past. Unfortunately, a Dragon attacks, putting the continent at risk, and humanity must rally to fight off the threat. All in all, it sounds like a standard high-fantasy RPG tale, and it’s not clear just how pervasive or integral the NFTs will be to enjoyment of the Square Enix game.
Square Enix has stated that all chapters can be completed without purchasing NFTs, but players with the collectible artwork will benefit from a few bonuses. For example, those who purchase character NFTs will be able to read their backstory, earn additional artwork upon completing a mission associated with that character, gain rank experience points based on the number of NFTs owned.
Symbiogenesis is currently in development.
Source: Games Hub, Symbiogenesis