Gaming giant Sega appears to be making strides into the blockchain gaming space by co-developing a trading card non-fungible token (NFT) game according to its Sangokushi Taisen franchise. The move comes amidst a growing trend of established gaming firms exploring blockchain technology and its potential impact on the gaming sector.
Sega And Blockchain
Shuji Utsumi, Sega’s Co-COO, has shared some optimistic sentiments about blockchain gaming, marking a unique move away from his previous stance, where he discovered play-to-earn games lacking in excitement.
Now, he agrees that blockchain gaming may introduce new elements like asset ownership and possible earnings for gamers – aspects that were not common in traditional gaming spaces.
Sega’s move into blockchain gaming highlights a widespread strategic initiative to adapt to emerging technologies and explore many new business models.
Partnership With Double Jump
In a rather ambitious move, Sega has licensed its Sangokushi Taisen card game’s IP to blockchain company Double Jump. The partnership strives to develop a new trading card game titled Battle of Three Kingdoms, featuring non-fungible token (NFT) cards inspired by the original 2005 game.
The venture mainly Targets Asia’s gaming space and strives to rejuvenate the original game’s IP while maintaining all the needed protections.
This game will launch with more than 100 different cards and is expected to get constant support via patches and updates post-launch, representing a long-term commitment to the project.
Overcoming Challenges
A major hurdle identified by Utsumi is the incorporation of crypto wallets, which are important for the management of assets like NFTs in various blockchain games. Cryptocurrency wallets require users to go through multiple steps to purchase or list items for sale, which might deter potential gamers.
Utsumi insists on the importance of simplifying this process to encourage more participants to engage with the game. The challenge of crypto wallet incorporation represents a widespread issue within the blockchain gaming space, where user-friendliness and accessibility are important for mass adoption.
A Win-Win Situation
Utsumi foresees the partnership with Double Jump as a ‘win-win’ scenario. Sega will offer game assets for the development of Battle of Three Kingdoms, and in return, will gain some valuable insights into the operations of blockchain game development. This partnership effort facilitates Sega’s entry into blockchain gaming and offers a chance for learning and growth in the emerging space.
Sega’s cautious but optimistic venture into blockchain gaming marks a major step in recognizing the potential of blockchain technology within the gaming sector. While challenges such as crypto wallet integration remain, the partnership with Double Jump represents a promising pathway for major gaming corporations to explore and integrate blockchain technology, hence possibly introducing a new era of gaming experiences.
