- Square Enix has partnered with and invested in HyperPlay, a blockchain-based game distribution platform, as part of its push into Web3 gaming.
- The investment amount is undisclosed but will help HyperPlay scale its game store. Square Enix is also launching an NFT art experience on HyperPlay.
- HyperPlay aims to improve game distribution and create better business models for developers using web3 technology. The platform plans further expansion and improvements to the web3 gaming experience.
Square Enix, the Japanese video game giant behind blockbuster franchises like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, has partnered with and invested in HyperPlay, a blockchain-based game distribution platform. The investment comes as Square Enix pushes further into Web3 and signals growing institutional interest in crypto‘s intersection with gaming.
Details of the Partnership
- Undisclosed Investment Amount
- Funds to Help Scale HyperPlay’s Game Store
- Square Enix’s SYMBIOGENESIS NFT Art Experience Launching on HyperPlay
Executive Commentary
“This investment and partnership is very exciting,” said Hideaki Uehara, General Manager of Investments at Square Enix. “We believe the HyperPlay team has built an extraordinary product for improving the distribution of games and creating new business models that are more beneficial for game developers.”
HyperPlay’s Vision
“We believe many of the greatest problems originate from the legacy distribution platforms which prevent game developers from fully leveraging what web3 has to offer,” said Jacob Crane, Founder of HyperPlay. “As builders in the gaming space, we understand the importance of enabling new business models for gaming that align the incentives of players and developers to enable a sustainable pipeline of quality games.”
What’s Next for HyperPlay
HyperPlay plans to continue expanding as “the most web3-native game distribution platform,” according to Crane. This includes bringing on more game stores, platforms, and distribution channels, as well as improving the web3 gaming user experience.
Notable upcoming moves include expanded Mac support and a Q2 2024 Amazon Prime integration that will let Prime members access Amazon Prime Gaming titles through HyperPlay.
Conclusion
With its investment in HyperPlay, Square Enix joins a growing list of major gaming companies making big bets on blockchain and Web3. As consumer adoption increases, we can expect more traditional gaming giants to follow Square Enix’s lead. The HyperPlay partnership provides a glimpse into the future of gaming distribution and monetization.
