Square Enix NFT Game Symbiogenesis Bashed By Gamers
Amidst the backlash, Square Enix continues development of its NFT game titled “Symbiogenesis”. Even with new management at the helm of the video game companythe idea of incorporating NFT into its games remains a major taboo for most of its legion of dedicated players.
The use of NFTs and blockchain technology in the gaming industry has sparked a lot of controversy, especially when used in the space occupied by traditional PC and console games. A significant number of them argue that such inclusion, which often involves pay-to-win schemes and turns their beloved hobbies into business ventures, detracts from the fundamental nature of gaming.
Despite the negative response, Square Enix continues to push for the incorporation of NFTs in its future projects. Symbiogenesis, the first of Square Enix’s NFT-based games, is still in development. As of March 17, the official website is already up, and the company plans to go all in to complete the project by spring this year.
The Fatal Flaws of NFT Gaming According to Traditional Players
The use of NFTs and blockchain technologies in the video game industry has been met with constant resistance as it changes the fundamental aspect of in-game entertainment. Generally, games are expected to provide players with an immersive virtual world where they can experience captivating narratives and indulge in creative game mechanics.
But with the implementation of NFTs, games lock important content behind paywalls, creating a market-driven approach rather than a purely entertaining one. Moreover, the model’s sustainability is questionable as it follows a pay-to-earn basis, which requires constant cash flow to maintain functionality.
To participate in the game, users must purchase NFTs at a significant cost, making it difficult to earn money. The moment the cash flow slows, the game becomes unsustainable and the pay-to-earn model crumbles.
Symbiogenesis is currently a mess
Square Enix already gave people a glimpse of Symbiogenesis. As it stands, their new NFT-based games have an overwhelming focus on NFTs, posing a threat to players’ finances and enjoyment. The game itself is not even polished as the mechanics and graphics seem to be made by AI based on critics. The consensus is that it is nothing but a cash grab in its current state.
The game has over 10,000 NFTs as characters that players can purchase to unlock missions and progress in the game. However, the game’s design limits players’ ability to continue with the story without acquiring NFTs, which other players can hold and monopolize, effectively preventing progression unless players are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money. In addition, there is a risk of losing everything in a possible collapse of the in-game economy.
Another thing that made gamers drool over Square Enix is how the developer decided to abandon its popular titles like Tomb Raider for its NFT cash cow. There were even hopes for dormant franchises like Parasite Eve to be resurrected by the company, but expectations were dashed when it was revealed that it was Symbiogenesis all along. For many, the direction that the video game maker is going right now is at odds with what its loyal fan base wants.
Final thoughts
Symbiogenesis is a terrible idea from the start that could rob Square Enix’s loyal fanbase of both their money and their love of gaming. The addition of NFTs and blockchain technology into conventional video games is a controversial topic, and players’ strong opposition to Symbiogenesis proves it. The basic idea behind old-fashioned gaming is entertainment, and introducing NFTs removes the very reason gaming is entertaining.
NFT games are not that bad, but it should be noted that they cater to a different niche in the market. NFT games are primarily aimed at enterprising individuals, which Square Enix’s hardcore gamers – who are just looking to be entertained by the games they buy – are certainly not.
Giancarlo is an economist and researcher by profession. Before joining Blockzeit’s dynamic team, he handled several crypto projects for both the public and private sectors as a project manager for a consulting firm.
