Gaming giant Sega is taking a bold and innovative step into the world of blockchain technology. Recognizing the potential impact of this emerging technology on the gaming industry, Sega is co-developing a trading card NFT game based on its popular franchise, Sangokushi Taisen. This move comes as part of a wider trend of established gaming corporations exploring blockchain technology and its various applications.
Sega’s Co-COO, Shuji Utsumi, has undergone a significant change in perspective when it comes to blockchain gaming. Previously, Utsumi expressed skepticism and found play-to-earn games lacking excitement. However, he now acknowledges the potential benefits of blockchain gaming, including asset ownership and potential earnings for players. This shift in viewpoint highlights the evolving understanding of the possibilities and opportunities that blockchain technology can bring to the gaming industry.
Sega’s venture into blockchain gaming is not merely an isolated experiment but part of a broader strategic initiative. The company aims to adapt to emerging technologies and explore new business models. By licensing the Sangokushi Taisen card game’s intellectual property (IP) to blockchain firm Double Jump, Sega is actively pursuing a strategic collaboration to develop a new trading card game, titled Battle of Three Kingdoms. This collaboration primarily targets the gaming market in Asia and seeks to revitalize the original game’s IP while ensuring necessary protections are in place.
The Battle of Three Kingdoms trading card game will launch with over 100 different cards, providing players with a diverse and engaging experience from the start. Moreover, Sega has committed to supporting the game through continuous patches and updates post-launch. This long-term commitment demonstrates Sega’s dedication to the project and its belief in the potential of blockchain gaming.
One of the main challenges identified by Utsumi is the integration of crypto wallets, which are crucial for managing assets like NFTs in blockchain games. Currently, the process of using crypto wallets can be complex and daunting for some potential players. This issue highlights a broader concern within the blockchain gaming sphere – the need for user-friendliness and accessibility. To encourage broader adoption, simplifying the process of using crypto wallets will be essential.
Sega’s collaboration with Double Jump is seen as a “win-win” scenario, benefiting both companies. While Sega contributes valuable game assets for the development of Battle of Three Kingdoms, the collaboration also allows Sega to gain invaluable insights into the development of blockchain games. This collaborative effort serves as a stepping stone for Sega’s entry into the blockchain gaming landscape and provides an opportunity for learning and growth in this emerging field.
Sega’s cautious yet optimistic venture into blockchain gaming signifies a significant step forward in recognizing the potential of blockchain technology within the gaming industry. While challenges, such as crypto wallet integration, exist, the collaboration with Double Jump presents a promising path for established gaming corporations to explore and integrate blockchain technology. If successful, this collaboration could usher in a new era of gaming experiences characterized by enhanced player ownership, earnings potential, and exciting gameplay.
Sega’s foray into blockchain gaming represents a strategic effort to embrace emerging technologies and explore new opportunities in the gaming industry. By developing a trading card NFT game based on its Sangokushi Taisen franchise and collaborating with Double Jump, Sega is actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the integration of blockchain technology offers exciting possibilities for players and gaming corporations alike. With Sega’s cautious yet optimistic approach, the future of gaming looks to be shaped by the transformative power of blockchain technology.