Square Enix’s Plans for 2024: Blockchain, AI, and Metaverse
Square Enix, the Japanese gaming giant known for publishing the Final Fantasy series, has announced its commitment to utilizing blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and metaverse technologies in creating innovative content for consumers. In a New Year’s letter from the company’s President, Takashi Kiryu, it was stated that a change is taking place in the world of digital entertainment, which is the core business of Square Enix.
The company has identified three key investment areas for new business domains: blockchain, AI, and the metaverse. Last year’s letter emphasized blockchain gaming as a priority, with Square Enix making aggressive investments and efforts in this field. The latest letter mentions the modification of organizational structure and resource allocation to support these endeavors.
Continuing Work on Blockchain Gaming
Last year’s letter highlighted Square Enix’s focus on blockchain entertainment. The then-President emphasized the importance of a decentralized model for blockchain gaming and noted the significant recognition gained by blockchain in 2022.
The latest letter briefly mentions ongoing work on blockchain gaming and efforts to optimize resources for this purpose.
Aggressive in Applying AI
This year’s letter provides more details about Square Enix’s plans regarding AI. It acknowledges the transformative impact of ChatGPT and its expansion into various areas of digital entertainment beyond text. The company aims to apply AI and other cutting-edge technologies to content development and publishing functions.
Kiryu believes that generative AI has the potential to reshape content creation processes and create new forms of content.
Fusing Real World and Metaverse
Kiryu also highlights the merging of virtual spaces with the real world in 2023. The experiential value of digital content has increased with the development of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Square Enix plans to leverage these technologies to create content that combines the real and virtual worlds.
Hot Take: Square Enix’s Vision for the Future
Square Enix’s reaffirmation of its commitment to blockchain, AI, and metaverse technologies demonstrates its recognition of the evolving landscape of digital entertainment. By leveraging these technologies, the company aims to create novel and immersive experiences for its consumers. With a focus on blockchain gaming, AI applications, and fusing real and virtual worlds, Square Enix is poised to shape the future of the gaming industry. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how Square Enix incorporates these innovations into its content development and publishing functions.