Nintendo Undecided About The Metaverse and NFTs
Popular Japanese game developer Nintendo has expressed uncertainty regarding integrating non fungible tokens (NFTs) into its gaming ecosystem. However, the gaming giant sees the Metaverse as an opportunity to provide players with joy.
Video Game Maker Not Set For Metaverse Integration
Following the release of its most recent financial results report, heavyweight video game console developer Nintendo revealed that some interest exists surrounding metaverse development in trading gaming.
Nintendo is reportedly exploring the burgeoning NFT space and the possibility of introducing blockchain technology in its game offerings. However, the console maker remains undecided about taking any concrete decisions or actions.
The video game giant expressed its stand during a live questions and answers session on Thursday, February 3, 2022. During the interview, MST Financial senior analyst David Gibson asked representatives from Nintendo about the company’s thoughts regarding the metaverse and NFTs. The officials said:
“We do have interest in this area, we feel the potential in this area, but we wonder what joy we can provide in this area and this is difficult to define right now…”
Nintendo was reportedly cautious when commenting on blockchain tech integration. Instead, the multinational entertainment outfit focused on its efforts to provide an improved gaming experience for players, further re-enforcing Nintendo’s current neutral stand regarding the metaverse.
The console maker joins a list of entertainment companies linked to NFTs. Microsoft confirmed plans to build metaverse platforms for Xbox console following its $69 billion acquisition of game studio Activision Blizzard. Also, popular Japanese video game developer Konami recently launched its NFT collection.
NFTs Becoming A Hot Topic In Mainstream Spaces
Recent backlash from mainstream gamers over NFTs could also be a major factor influencing Nintendo’s decision to warily approach the metaverse. French entertainment behemoth Ubisoft met stiff opposition from players after releasing its NFT platform dubbed Ubisoft Quartz.
Following the announcement, players took to social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to vocalize their disapproval of the move. Vice president at Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovations Lab, Nicolas Pouard responded to the feedback and said players might not fully understand what a decentralized secondary market can offer them.
Despite dismissive comments from gamers, Ubisoft continues to further its NFT integration plans. The game studio renowned for developing titles like Assassins Creed and Prince of Persia has teamed up with blockchain-powered startup Aleph.im. According to reports, the partnership will facilitate a decentralized storage solution for Ubisoft’s Quartz platform.
In other related news, global video game retail giant has reached an agreement with Ethereum-based layer 2 scaling solution provider Immutable X. crypto.news reported that both companies will work together to build an NFT marketplace and provide a $100 million fund for game developers interested in the metaverse.
Social media platforms are not left out of the growing NFT adoption wave either. Microblogging platform Twitter recently announced NFT profile photo integration. While Tesla boss Elon Musk rebuffed the platform’s decision, some users supposedly welcome the new feature.
According to the official announcement, accounts can now display images from verified collections on OpenSea. Also, the option is exclusive to subscribers of the paid service dubbed Twitter Blue.
