Square Enix, the company behind the Final Fantasy franchise, launches NFT Game on Polygon
Polygon will be the launch platform for Symbiogenesis, an upcoming NFT-based game from Square Enix, the renowned video game publisher responsible for popular franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
Square Enix exploring web3 gaming
Initially planned to be launched on Ethereum, Symbiogenesis will now make its debut on Polygon, as announced by Square Enix. The company opted to use Polygon instead, citing its faster transaction speeds, lower gas fees, and overall ease of use.
In a press release, game producer Naoyuki Tamate noted that using Polygon will allow Square Enix to offer a distinctive experience to Web3 enthusiasts. Square Enix provided additional details about Symbiogenesis, revealing that the game will revolve around 10,000 character NFTs that are connected to strategic game mechanics. However, owning a character NFT is not mandatory to participate in the game, although it enhances the player’s experience by adding supplementary value.
This recent news may come as no surprise since the CEO of Square Enix, Yosuke Matsuda, had expressed strong interest in NFT gaming during a new year statement.
Symbiogenesis – What do we know so far?
Set on a floating continent hovering over a polluted future Earth, Symbiogenesis is a narrative-driven collectible game where society is compelled to unite and make difficult choices after a menacing dragon endangers their sanctuary. The game features turn-based gameplay linked to the narrative, with the story taking different paths based on players completing missions and either holding or trading NFTs
Square Enix plans to include a variety of NFTs in Symbiogenesis, including dragon tarot cards and a monster storybook, in addition to the 10,000 character NFTs that are tied to strategic game mechanics. The cost of these NFTs and their impact on the game have not been fully disclosed by Square Enix.
However, Polygon Labs has shared a document indicating that owning a character NFT is not a requirement to play the game, but it does offer an unspecified “extra value” to the gaming experience. The document also states that character NFT holders can create “replica NFTs” for sharing story information with other players.
The backlash from the gaming community
When Square Enix announced Symbiogenesis in November, some of its loyal video game fans expressed disapproval. Speculations had circulated that the game would be a fresh installment in the dormant Parasite Eve franchise, but it was not. However, Square Enix is determined to expand its Web3 endeavors and recognizes the vast potential in this arena.
Square Enix has been active in the Web3 space, with previous investments in The Sandbox, an Ethereum metaverse game, and launching NFT collectibles in Japan using the LINE blockchain.
Reviving Final Fantasy VII with NFT collection
To further its Web3 efforts, Square Enix has revealed plans to release Final Fantasy VII NFTs that correspond to physical action figures using Enjin’s Efinity platform, which operates on the Polkadot blockchain. In May of last year, the publisher sold off various studios and game franchises, including Tomb Raider, for $300 million. The funds were used to generate new business ventures, including Web3 experiences.
Square Enix remains enthusiastic about the possibilities presented by NFTs, despite opposition from some of its traditional gaming audience. The company is eagerly investing in the space and is looking forward to the opportunities that it may offer. While Symbiogenesis is slated to launch in the spring, Square Enix has not yet released an official website, a complete trailer, or in-game screenshots.
