Gaming giant Square Enix is partnering with web3 gaming platform Elixir to drive the adoption of web3 games among traditional gamers. This strategic partnership aims to generate visibility and interest in blockchain gaming and increase mass adoption during 2023. Elixir is a PC games distribution platform that showcases both web3 and traditional games side-by-side, with little to distinguish between them.
While many gaming companies have backed away from blockchain and NFTs, Square Enix is tripling down on this technology. In January 2023, Square Enix’s former president, Yosuke Matsuda, announced the company’s vision for aggressive investment in blockchain technology and NFTs. Currently, the company is gearing up for the full release of its first NFT game, Symbiogenesis.
The recent partnership with Elixir Games demonstrates that Square Enix is committed to pursuing its vision. This means gamers can expect the integration of Web3 with its popular titles going forward.
According to the press release of the Japanese video game developer and publisher, Elixir Games aims to offer a simple, seamless experience to the traditional gamer by hiding web3 technology under the hood. Its recent integration with Epic Games has allowed users to play any game in their Epic library next to their favorite web3 games.
The plan behind this integration is that if Elixir Games can stuff enough non-web3 games next to web3 games, players won’t be able to tell the difference and will get hooked on web3 gaming.
Advantages of Web3 and NFT Integration in Video Games
Several benefits can be realized with the integration of Web3 and NFT in traditional video games. Primarily, it can add new levels of interaction and engagement to traditional video games by allowing players to buy, sell, and trade unique digital assets within the game.
It can also provide players with a more immersive gaming experience by creating a more realistic economy and allowing players to own and control their digital assets. Likewise, by leveraging blockchain technology, game developers can create more transparent and secure in-game transactions, reducing the risk of fraud or theft.
Controversy Surrounding Blockchain Gaming
Web3, blockchain, and NFTs have been deeply controversial in gaming. While many studios and publishers were initially excited about blockchain technology, several faced intense criticism for suggesting they were using this technology. Valve and itch.io banned blockchain technology on their platforms outright, citing its overwhelming use for scams.
Climate Replay, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the environmental impact of gaming, set up an anti-NFT pledge last year, which a handful of studios signed. The pledge was established to avoid the serious and ongoing issues involved with blockchain systems. These systems require massive amounts of energy to run and can cause serious environmental harm.
On the side of traditional hardcore gamers, there is growing concern that their use could contribute to the commodification of video game assets, leading to a situation where only those who can afford to buy rare NFTs can fully enjoy the game.
Square Enix Continues to be Bullish on Blockchain Games
Despite the controversy surrounding blockchain technology in traditional gaming, Square Enix believes that blockchain games will transition into a new stage of growth in 2023. The partnership with Elixir Games brings Square Enix closer to decentralized gaming, and both companies anticipate seeing more industry leaders enter the space with impactful projects as the year progresses.
More details about the partnership are expected to be made public in the coming months.
Final Thoughts
Square Enix’s partnership with Elixir Games demonstrates its commitment to blockchain gaming and increasing mass adoption during 2023. Elixir Games’ technology offers a simple, seamless experience to traditional gamers and could entice them to try web3 games without even realizing it. While controversy surrounds blockchain technology, Square Enix is confident that this technology will play a significant role in the future of gaming.