Square Enix is facing significant fan backlash after doubling down on blockchain investment.
On January 1, Square Enix President Yosuke Matsuda published a New Year’s letter on the company’s website (opens in a new tab). Aside from discussing Square Enix’s sale of its west-facing studios, Matsuda wrote that “we are most focused on blockchain entertainment” in terms of new business ventures for the coming year, adding that “we have devoted aggressive investment and business development efforts” to the field.
This message has received criticism from Square Enix fans in general, across several social media. On Twitter in particular, fans have responded that they’d rather the company do something else, like make a Final Fantasy 8 spin-off game dedicated to hero Rinoa’s beloved dog, than invest heavily in blockchain and NFT technology for the year. come.
you could be drowning in adoration for making a Final Fantasy VIII spinoff starring Rinoa’s dog and yet you voluntarily choose to soil yourself with this https://t.co/Ly3pg7aQRw2 January 2023
Another common line of thought is the desire for Square Enix to make a Final Fantasy 6 remake instead of blockchain technology. Others also point out that Square Enix’s most beloved game, Final Fantasy 7, literally stars heroes trying to fight against greedy corporations and prevent the misuse of energy in an effort to save the planet. Maybe Matsuda didn’t get the memo about that one.
They could simply remake FF6 with lavish hand drawn art and animated cutscenes and then sell me a copy instead of this one https://t.co/fRRqhFNNOG2 January 2023
Other fans lament that Square Enix is selling more studios to fund blockchain-related investments, while some former Final Fantasy 14 players are even saying they’re now glad they opted out of the massive online game. Square Enix is definitely not doing itself any favors by tying its future investments to blockchain and NFT-related technology, at least among fans.
When Square Enix announced an NFT art franchise last year in November, fans immediately wanted it “unannounced.” It probably didn’t help that fans were eagerly anticipating a revival of the beloved Parasite Eve series.
Despite all this mess, fans are still excited Final Fantasy 16which will finally be launched later this year on 22 June 2023.
