Title: Gaming Giants Bandai Namco and SEGA Turning Attention to Blockchain Games

Gaming Giants Bandai Namco and SEGA Shifting Focus to Blockchain Games

Long-standing companies in the gaming industry are actively working to integrate blockchain technology into games, asserting that they will "not change this policy" even amidst community backlash.

Blockchain games gaining favor among industry giants

According to Oasys blockchain CEO Ryo Matsubara, Japanese gaming giants are positioning themselves for mainstream adoption of blockchain games, despite opposition from traditional gamer segments against cryptocurrency and NFTs.

Speaking at the Tokyo Games Show 2022 last week, Oasys representative Matsubara emphasized that project's prestigious partners like Bandai Namco, Sega, and Square Enix are not only entering the cryptocurrency race but also envisioning a long-term future for Play-to-Earn (P2E) games on blockchain.

Bandai Namco has developed beloved titles such as Tekken and Pac-Man, most notably Sonic the Hedgehog, while Square Enix is renowned for the popular Final Fantasy series.

When asked if these companies are looking to integrate blockchain technology with their existing game intellectual properties, Matsubara mentioned they are considering developing entirely new blockchain games to replace them.

He noted that since this is a "completely new gaming model," it will take additional time for large companies to integrate blockchain into traditional games once the model is solidified, sustainable, and successful.

He said, "Once the model is established, sustainable, and successful, then IPs will be added."

Identifying areas for improvement in blockchain games, Matsubara highlighted a "significant concern" that many projects overly rely on token prices within the game, overshadowing gameplay itself.

He indicated there will be an "adjustment" down the line as projects work towards truly enhancing the gaming experience overall.

This concern echoes sentiments shared by many at the event, including community managers from Australia-based game developer and Animoca Brands subsidiary Blowfish Studios Luke Sillay.

In an interview, Sillay emphasized that many people want games that are genuinely fun rather than simply rushing to earn tokens.

Oasys blockchain primarily focuses on gaming and plans to launch its official mainnet in the coming months.

Matsubara hinted that games from their prestigious partners will be announced next year.

Beyond Japan, Western gaming giants like Fortnite developer Epic Games have recently intensified their involvement in blockchain gaming. Last week, the Epic Games Store listed a new free-to-play NFT game called Blankos Block Party by Mythical Games.

This move follows comments from Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney in July, where he asserted his company "certainly" won't follow Microsoft's Minecraft in banning NFT integration into games.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen how Oasys and their gaming partners will revolutionize the gaming industry. However, whether embraced or not, gaming giants are now keeping an eye on blockchain games, making it a trend worth following in the coming years.