Japanese game publisher Square Enix revealed on Thursday Symbiogenesis, which they describe as an “NFT Collectible Art Project.”

The publisher states that the “art” that players can collect can then be used “as a 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 on the monopolization and distribution of resources.”

In addition, players can also use these unique pieces of art as pictures on social media, as well as some other, undisclosed purposes.

The project will go live in spring 2023, with sales of the NFTs launching alongside a “free browser service.”

Square Enix was one of the first major game developers to announce their support for blockchain games and NFTs, both controversial topics not just in gaming, but in tech as a whole. This stems from the volatility of the NFT market, the perceived “worth” of these items, and the major impact it has on energy consumption and the environment.

Earlier this year, Square Enix launched their first foray into the NFT market by selling action figures that include digital NFTs. A figure of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, which is scheduled to release later this month, is priced at $129.99 USD; a “Digital Plus Edition” however, exclusive to the Square Enix Store, includes “exchange tickets to redeem a digital certificate of authenticity and a digital version of the figure which can be enjoyed on PC or smart phone.” Both the certificate and digital figure are “managed by the block chain technology known as NFTs,” and will run you $159.99 USD.

Fans noticed late last month that Square Enix had filed a trademark for the term “Symbiogenesis.” This spurred speculation that this could lead to a new entry in the long defunct Parasite Eve franchise, as symbiogenesis–the formation of a new organism through the merging of two or more free-living organisms–plays a key role in the horror RPG series.

Will you be diving into this NFT experience? What are your thoughts on blockchain and NFTs in video games, and in tech in general? We’re curious to know what you think, so let us know in the comment section and on our social media platforms!

Source: SymbiogenesisPR

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