SEGA’s co-COO Shuji Utsumi and Double Jump Tokyo CEO Hironobu Ueno envision a future where blockchain technology is widely integrated into the gaming industry. In a recent interview with Japanese publication Dengeki Online, Utsumi and Ueno shared their thoughts on the progress of the highly anticipated game, Battle of Three Kingdoms, which incorporates non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into its gameplay.
Both Utsumi and Ueno acknowledged the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize the gaming industry. Ueno pointed out that while the complexity of blockchain technology has posed challenges for early adoption, it also presents opportunities for content developers to create gaming experiences that showcase the advantages of blockchain integration.
Utsumi compared the current phase of NFT games to the rise of mobile gaming, emphasizing that game developers need to consider how to engage and appeal to individuals within the realm of blockchain games. He highlighted the importance of addressing the entry barriers for blockchain games, such as providing a smooth onboarding process and simplifying the setup of cryptocurrency wallets for users.
The interview also shed light on how SEGA and Double Jump Tokyo transformed their arcade game, Sangokushi Taisen, into a blockchain game. Ueno explained that the integration of blockchain and NFTs is particularly evident in trading card games, where card values are determined by in-game performance and collector demand. Utsumi shared that SEGA’s focus on utilizing advanced technology led them to explore the potential of blockchain, with Sangokushi Taisen being chosen due to its popularity in Japan and other Asian countries, as well as its compatibility with blockchain technology.
While blockchain technology still faces hurdles in terms of adoption and user experience, the enthusiasm and dedication of industry leaders like SEGA and Double Jump Tokyo indicate that the integration of blockchain into gaming is on the horizon. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how blockchain technology shapes the future of gaming and enhances the experiences of players worldwide.
