"We will not devalue our franchises" SEGA distances itself from blockchain and cryptocurrencies

SEGA, along with other companies like Square Enix and Bandai Namco, was swayed by the siren song following the rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain operations, announcing that it would create games that leverage Web 3.0. However, over time, the company witnessed the collapse of that sector, and now, when it is more sunk than ever, it has decided to reverse course.

SEGA confirms that cryptocurrencies are a disaster and backtracks on its blockchain gaming plans

During an interview with Bloomberg, Shuji Utsumi, COO of SEGA and formerly a strong enthusiast of games as a service and blockchain, revealed that the company has decided to be more cautious with that model and type of proposals, so they will not risk their main franchises as they fear they will be devalued. The news comes after several months in which cryptocurrency prices have been declining, and the fever for related operations has faded, leaving minimal interest among users and the market.

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Regarding this, the SEGA executive stated: "Action in pay-to-win games is boring. What's the point if the games aren't fun?"

Additionally, Shuji Utsumi revealed that SEGA's plans regarding Web 3.0 and NFTs will not involve relevant franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog or Yakuza for now, although they are open to third parties doing something with IPs like Three Kingdoms and Virtua Fighter. Similarly, the executive mentioned that SEGA is keeping an eye on the development of these technologies to determine whether or not they will be incorporated into their ambitious plans for online multiplayer and games as a service.

Finally, Utsumi did not completely close the doors to this type of proposals and operations: "For most people in the gaming industry, what blockchain proponents say may sound a bit extreme, but that's how it has always been. We should never underestimate them."

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