SEGA Withdraws from Play to Earn Market, Prioritizing Entertainment Value Over Blockchain Speculation

Jack ObrienJuly 12, 2023

1 2 minutes read

SEGA Corp., renowned for its popular franchises like Sonic The Hedgehog and Yakuza, has made the decision to step away from the play to earn market, citing a turbulent crypto industry and waning player interest in blockchain-based gaming, commonly known as GameFi. This strategic shift reflects SEGA’s renewed emphasis on delivering entertainment value rather than being swayed by speculative trends. Co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi expressed skepticism towards play-to-earn games that fail to fulfill the fundamental promise of fun.

SEGA Pauses Ambitious Play-to-Earn Plans:

SEGA’s Co-Chief Operating Officer, Shuji Utsumi, acknowledged the significant change in the company’s strategy. He expressed his belief that play-to-earn games are “boring” and questioned their worth if they don’t deliver on the primary objective of providing an enjoyable gaming experience. Utsumi emphasized that while blockchain technology advocates may present compelling arguments, SEGA prefers a cautious approach, avoiding third-party blockchain projects that could potentially dilute the value of their renowned franchises.

SEGA’s Stance on Blockchain Technology:

Unlike its previous endorsement of blockchain-based technology, SEGA has become more reserved due to the crypto market’s instability and the declining interest in GameFi. However, the company will continue to experiment with blockchain technology on a smaller scale. Utsumi pointed out potential benefits of the technology, such as facilitating the transfer of characters and items between different games. This demonstrates SEGA’s ongoing interest in exploring the potential applications of blockchain technology within the gaming industry.

SEGA’s Focus on Entertainment Value:

SEGA’s decision to withdraw from the play-to-earn market and focus on reinforcing the intrinsic entertainment value of its games reflects a broader trend within the industry. As blockchain technology matures, SEGA’s position may evolve. Utsumi highlighted the need to assess whether this technology will truly thrive in the gaming industry, underscoring the company’s commitment to prioritizing the fun factor over speculative blockchain allure.

SEGA’s Controversial NFT Venture:

As part of its continued blockchain experimentation, SEGA will allow lesser-known franchises like Three Kingdoms and Virtua Fighter to be used for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This move initially faced backlash from eco-conscious gamers, who raised concerns about the environmental impact of blockchain technology. SEGA’s measured approach to utilizing NFTs highlights their awareness of the potential ramifications and their willingness to adapt to public sentiment.

Conclusion:

SEGA’s decision to withdraw from the play-to-earn market underscores its dedication to delivering entertaining gaming experiences while treading cautiously in the realm of blockchain technology. By prioritizing the value of their iconic franchises and acknowledging the evolving nature of the crypto industry, SEGA aims to maintain its position as a gaming powerhouse. As the technology matures, SEGA’s stance on blockchain may adapt, and they will continue to explore its potential applications within the gaming landscape.