has that Symbiogenesis, an upcoming challenge that was broadly rumored to be Parasite Eve-related, is definitely one thing else — and it is centered round . The writer described Symbiogenesis as “its first digital collectible art project designed from the ground up for Web3 fans.”

Symbiogenesis takes place in a self-contained world containing a big solid of characters that may be collected as NFTs. Square Enix says you can use these digital artworks as profile photos on social media accounts, one thing you undoubtedly would not be capable of do by merely taking a screenshot.

In addition, you should utilize your character “in a story that takes place in an alternate world where the player can ’untangle’ a mystery by completing missions that revolve around questions of the monopolization and distribution of resources,” Square Enix . That’s considerably ironic, on condition that all the perceived worth of NFTs is derived from synthetic shortage.

The writer will begin promoting NFTs (which is able to probably be on the Ethereum blockchain) in spring 2023, alongside the debut of “a free browser service” on Google Chrome. The browser-based method makes some sense. Symbiogenesis would not make it onto Steam, .

This is among the highest-profile stabs at an NFT-driven gaming expertise but. However, the NFT market has . Gamers have largely rejected NFTs too.

Last December, it emerged that Ubisoft had in Ghost Recon Breakpoint, the primary title through which it employed blockchain tech. Just a few weeks later, an Ubisoft govt claimed gamers would profit from having a market the place they may purchase and promote NFTs of in-game gadgets, “but they for now.” In April, Ubisoft introduced that the sport , successfully placing the sport on ice and diminishing no matter worth Ghost Recon Breakpoint‘s NFTs had.

It appears Square Enix is dealing with an uphill battle to make Symbiogenesis a hit. It’s not a shock that the corporate is transferring on this path after saying in January that it will . Square Enix a few of its extra notable Western studios this yr and it to plow a lot of the proceeds into the blockchain and different tech earlier than on that plan.

Meanwhile, Square Enix could need to attempt to placate followers who have been that Symbiogenesis was really a . After the writer registered Symbiogenesis as a trademark final month, some pointed out that the time period means “the merging of two separate organisms to type a single new organism” — which is one of the foundations of Parasite Eve‘s story. While that connection is somewhat tenuous, it’s hard to blame fans for and that the project is ultimately an NFT grift.