Sega has affirmed its dedication to the web3 gaming sector through a strategic partnership with Line Next. Line Next is a web3 venture of South Korean social network Line. Following an IP deal in July 2023, Sega is set to bring one or more of its game IPs to the recently rebranded DOSI platform.

Sega Singapore is a subsidiary overseeing Sega's general web3 business. It has taken a significant role as a governance member and node validator on Line Next's Finschia blockchain. The collaboration aims to expand the Finschia ecosystem, support DOSI and its partner games. It will also contribute to the broader popularization of web3, leveraging Sega's well-known IPs.

This move by Sega comes after speculations in mid-2023 about a potential withdrawal from the web3 gaming sector. Sega Co-COO Shuji Utsumi's previous questioning of the fun factor in web3 games fueled these speculations. However, Sega has said its intention to stay in the web3 space and integrate blockchain into current and future game developments.

In addition to this collaboration, the news coincides with Finschia and Klaytn's joint proposal for a merger. The upcoming launch of a bridge connecting Finschia to Ethereum and Klaytn is expected by the end of February.

What is Line Next

Line Next is a  US-based blockchain arm of South Korean social network Line. It recently secured a substantial $140 million strategic investment from Crescendo Equity Partners. This funding aims to accelerate the growth of Line Next's DOSI blockchain social and gaming platform. Throughout 2023, Line Next has been developing a beta browser-based version of DOSI. The official launch of its mobile app will be in January 2024.

The investment is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and successful launch of DOSI's mobile app. Line Next wants to connect with Line's existing NFT marketplace in Japan and other services, including DOSI Citizen. The strategic roadmap also includes the development of an AI-based social app. There will also be new games featuring the Brown & Friends intellectual property.

Crescendo Equity Partners is a governance member in Line Next's Finschia blockchain. Line Next reports a user base of approximately 5.5 million DOSI users and a distribution of over 20 million NFTs.