NFT Game to be Launched on Polygon by Final Fantasy Maker Square Enix

The scaling network will debut Symbiogenesis, an original NFT-driven narrative game, instead of Ethereum’s mainnet.

Robert Stone

Final Fantasy is a smash hit game series published by Square Enix. Image: Square Enix

Square Enix, the renowned publisher behind popular video game franchises like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts, has announced that its new NFT-based game, Symbiogenesis, will launch on Polygon, a scaling network of Ethereum, instead of the Ethereum mainnet. The game, which is set to release in spring, is a story-driven collectibles game that offers a unique experience to Web3 fans, and will leverage Polygon’s high transaction speeds, low gas fees, and overall user-friendliness.

Symbiogenesis takes place on a floating continent above a polluted future Earth, where players must work together to make tough choices to overcome a dragon threat to their safe haven. The game will feature turn-based gameplay tied to the storyline, which takes different paths as users complete missions and either hold or trade NFTs. The game will feature 10,000 character NFTs tied to strategic game mechanics and other NFTs, like dragon tarot cards and a monster storybook, that will add extra value to the gaming experience.

Square Enix has made a number of moves in the Web3 space over the last few years, including investing in the Ethereum metaverse game The Sandbox, reviving its dormant Dungeon Siege franchise in its game world, and launching NFT collectibles in Japan via the LINE blockchain. The publisher has also announced Final Fantasy VII NFTs tied to physical action figures via Enjin’s Efinity platform built on Polkadot.

While there have been complaints from some traditional gamers about the use of NFTs, Square Enix has continued to emphasize the opportunities it sees in the space and invest in growing its Web3 efforts. In fact, the company sold off an array of studios and game franchises, including Tomb Raider, for $300 million to help fund new business endeavors, including Web3 experiences.

Although Square Enix has dripfed details about Symbiogenesis through an official Twitter feed, an official website, a full trailer, and in-game screenshots are yet to be released. While traditional fans of Square Enix’s video games were initially disappointed that the game was not a new entry in the longdormant Parasite Eve franchise, the company’s move into the NFT and Web3 space continues to generate interest among fans and investors alike.