Square Enix, the Tokyo-headquartered video game company responsible for hit series such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, has teamed up with the Polygon network to introduce an interactive art collection experience called Symbiogenesis. The release of the Symbiogenesis NFT collection and a complementary browser service is planned for the spring of 2023.
As per a press statement, Symbiogenesis will “provide a distinct experience founded on digital collectible art that is interwoven with a storyline that players will unravel through a virtual, turn-based adventure. The artwork develops with each strategic move taken by a player.”
The firm claims that only three players who fulfill specific criteria will be selected to take part in the ultimate “World Mission,” wherein these three individuals will shape the ending of the story, the fate of the world, and everyone in it.
Through Symbiogenesis, consumers will be able to accumulate off-chain utility items, which they may then opt to exchange on-chain using Polygon. Square Enix has been progressively heading towards Web3 since its inception in 2003. In a New Year’s letter from Yosuke Matsuda, the company’s president and representative director, published last month, the business doubled down on its foray into blockchain gaming, committing to “aggressive investment and business development efforts” in blockchain entertainment.
As part of its 2023 strategy, the gaming firm indicated that it is “developing multiple blockchain games founded on original [intellectual property].” Although gamers remain cautious about integrating blockchain, investment in Web3 gaming continues to expand despite the larger crypto market downturn. It is estimated that during the third quarter of 2022, venture capital funds invested approximately $1.5 billion into Web3-based enterprises.