Square Enix Launches NFT Game On Sony's Ethereum Network: What Does This Mean For The Future Of Gaming?

Gaming giant Square Enix, known for iconic titles such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, announced this week that it is expanding its blockchain game Symbiogenesis to Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Soneium. This time around, the collaboration is more than just a creative powerhouse: it offers players exciting new possibilities.

A New Horizon for Symbiogenesis

Symbiogenesis began its journey on the Ethereum-scaling network Polygon and is now nearing the conclusion of what is being touted as the final season of its storyline. But that hasn’t stopped Square Enix from expanding its partnership with Sony into the blockchain space.

Connecting to New Games

The new approach connects Symbiogenesis with two other games on Soneium: the sleep-to-earn app Sleepagotchi and the competitive team warrior Evermoon. Players who complete the limited-time quests in Symbiogenesis will receive unique NFT collectibles that unlock benefits across all three games. And this isn’t just a digital sticker; according to the press release, the NFT grants exclusive community quest credits and special in-game benefits to winners.

Deadline for Rewards

The campaign has now started. To qualify for rewards, players must complete the main storyline of Chapters 1-4 in Symbiogenesis by May 31st.

Distance and History

Soneium is developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and blockchain company Startale Group. Because it is a decentralized network that can be used by any developer, this move is not being presented as a direct collaboration between Square Enix and Sony, nor does it have any direct ties to Sony’s PlayStation gaming line. Despite this, it does have a rich history, as Square Enix launched the influential Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation in 1997 and has worked closely with Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem ever since.

Symbiogenesis Tends Towards Finale

Symbiogenesis is still scheduled to end in July, at least for now. “At this point, this will mark their final season,” a Soneium spokesperson told Decrypt. “We are in discussions with Square Enix about potential future collaboration, but Soneium has no further details to share.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Square Enix choose to expand to Soneium?
Square Enix is ​​expanding Symbiogenesis to Soneium to offer players new possibilities and create a wider network of games with unique benefits for players.

What do players need to do to get rewards?
Players must complete the main storylines of the first four chapters in Symbiogenesis by May 31 to be eligible for the special NFT collectibles and their associated benefits.

Is there a direct collaboration between Square Enix and Sony?
Although Soneium is Sony's, it's not presented as a direct collaboration. Soneium is a decentralized network that multiple development teams can build on, and it's separate from PlayStation-branded games.