Square Enix Invests in HyperPlay, Brings NFT Game Symbiogenesis to the Platform

Square Enix, known for its Final Fantasy series, has announced a strategic investment in HyperPlay, a crypto-native game launcher. The gaming giant also plans to extend its NFT game, Symbiogenesis, to HyperPlay. 

While details of the investment are not disclosed, HyperPlay's founder, JacobC.eth, shared his excitement about this partnership. The collab underscores the Japanese publisher's commitment to exploring blockchain games. This follows its earlier ventures into The Sandbox and NFT campaigns for its Final Fantasy franchise.  

Symbiogenesis, launched in December, offers a unique role-playing adventure with characters and in-game items minted as NFTs. This game's integration with HyperPlay is a testament to the growth of blockchain tech.

JacobC, who worked as an operations lead for the crypto wallet MetaMask, pointed out the hurdles that many platforms face when it comes to crypto games. These are often due to policies that clash with the innovative nature of Web3. The partnership between HyperPlay and Square Enix aims to explore new models of game distribution that favor the interests of players and developers. 

"Square Enix is very excited to be investing and partnering with HyperPlay," said Hideaki Uehara, General Manager of Investment & Business Development 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."

The investment follows HyperPlay's $12 million Series A funding round last June, setting up the platform as a key player in Web3 gaming. This strategic move by Square Enix highlights the growing intersection between mainstream gaming and blockchain.