Line Next, a subsidiary of mobile messaging giant Line, has declared a collaboration with the reputable gaming company Sega. This partnership intends to introduce a new Web3 game to the blockchain gaming platform, Game Dosi. Under the established memorandum of understanding, Line Next has secured an intellectual property license from Sega, gaining the rights to utilize one of Sega’s “immensely popular” game IPs. The selected game is set to be reimagined as a Web3 experience, finding its new home on the Game Dosi platform.
Line Next’s role in this venture extends beyond facilitating the transition to a Web3 environment. They will also provide essential support for the production of NFTs, the facilitation of digital payments, and the management of marketing efforts. “Line Next is pleased to be teaming up with Sega to bring some exciting gaming to the Web3 space for gamers around the world,” Line Next’s boss, Youngsu Ko, shared. “Through this partnership, Game Dosi will provide Web3 content that anyone can easily enjoy, including Sega fans.”
Sega’s Rethink of its Web3 Strategy
The announcement of this partnership comes hot on the heels of Sega’s decision to scale back its own Web3 game development. Instead, it plans to delegate this task to third parties, as demonstrated by its collaboration with Line Next. Despite this strategic shift, Sega maintains an investment presence in the space, reinforcing its belief in the potential of blockchain technology.
In a recent interview, Shuji Utsumi, co-chief operating officer at Sega, shared his insights into the blockchain and gaming industries. “For the majority of people in the video game industry, what blockchain advocates say may sound a bit extreme, but that’s how the first penguin has always been. We should never underestimate them,” Utsumi cautioned. While he labeled play-to-earn games as ‘boring’, Sega is keen on assessing if the technology can offer a genuine lift-off in the gaming industry.
The Future of Sega’s IPs on Web3
This new partnership signifies the future direction of Sega’s classic game IPs. With the development of Web3 games and the production of NFTs, Sega and Line Next plan to give Web3 games an extensive promotional push.
While it may have appeared contradictory initially, Sega’s decision to pull back from Web3 game development while maintaining an investment in the space now seems more coherent. As implied in their earlier statement, Sega has opened its doors to external companies, like Line Next, to carry the Web3 torch forward.
The project’s specifics remain under wraps, creating a sense of anticipation among the gaming community. Sega fans and Web3 gamers alike are looking forward to the official announcement regarding the finer details of the venture.
