Bandai Namco Continues Research and Development in Mobile Blockchain Gaming
Bandai Namco, the Japanese game publisher known for titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, is actively exploring the potential role of blockchain technology in video games, particularly in the Asian market. Karim Farghaly, Bandai Namco’s SVP of Corporate Development, discussed the studio’s interest in blockchain integration during an interview with Decrypt at the Esports and Gaming Business Summit. Farghaly revealed that the publisher has been researching how Web3 infrastructure could work and acknowledged the differences between the Western and Asian markets. He believes that Web3 has less stigma in Asia and predicts that the region will be home to the first successful Web3 and crypto games with large audiences.
The Growing Activity of Blockchain Gaming in Asia
Farghaly pointed out that there is more blockchain gaming activity happening in Asia compared to the Western world. This is attributed to a lack of backlash against Web3 technology in Asia, which has encouraged larger publishers in Japan and Korea to actively develop blockchain games. However, Bandai Namco faces challenges due to the general backlash against Web3 in other regions. Despite this, they have collaborated with blockchain firm Double Jump.Tokyo to create blockchain games like Ryuzo, an AI-powered virtual pet game where players can own their own Ryu creatures as NFTs on the Oasys blockchain.
Investments in Web3 Companies
Bandai Namco has also invested in various Web3 companies through its VC fund in Japan. They have supported Oasys, Double Jump.Tokyo, Gaudiy (a Web3 community platform), and Genies (an NFT wearables company). Farghaly sees value in blockchain games for gamers who are willing to spend on in-game assets. He believes that the ability to own and trade digital assets for a long time is appealing to these players. Furthermore, Farghaly believes that mobile gaming will drive the adoption of Web3 and crypto due to platforms like iOS and Google allowing asset minting.
Hot Take: Bandai Namco Explores Blockchain Gaming Potential in Asia
Bandai Namco is actively researching and developing blockchain games for the Asian market. The publisher recognizes the potential of blockchain technology in video games, particularly in terms of ownership and trading of digital assets. While there is some backlash against Web3 in the Western market, Farghaly believes that Asia will lead the way in successful Web3 and crypto games. Bandai Namco has already collaborated with blockchain firm Double Jump.Tokyo and launched Ryuzo, an AI-powered virtual pet game with NFTs on the Oasys blockchain. They have also invested in various Web3 companies through their VC fund. Mobile gaming is expected to play a significant role in driving the adoption of Web3 and crypto.
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