There are a lot of big game publishers that are very interested in the blockchain and how it can be applied to video games. Companies like Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Sega are all looking closely at NFT and cryptocurrencies in games, and even Nintendo is keeping an eye on the chaotic NFT market.
With Nintendo’s interest, perhaps it's unsurprising that former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé is also a "believer in blockchain," going so far as to suggest implementing NFTs in the next iteration of Animal Crossing.
In a presentation at last month’s SXSW event (via Nintendo Life), Fils-Aimé was asked for his opinion on the blockchain, crypto, and play-to-earn games.
"So I'm a believer in blockchain," Fils-Aimé replied. "I think it's a really compelling technology. I'm also a believer in the concept of ‘play to own’ within video games, and I say this as a player where I may have invested 50 hours, 100 hours, or 300 hours in a game, and when I'm ready to move on to something else, wouldn't it be great to monetize what I've built? I bet I'd have some takers here today if I wanted to sell my Animal Crossing island from the latest Nintendo Switch version; I'd like to be able to monetize that. Blockchain technology embedded in the code would enable me to do that."
While this might sound like Fils-Aimé is a gung-ho crypto bro, he did at least acknowledge the problems with NFTs and crypto, adding that developers should focus on making a more consumer-friendly blockchain game.
"Now I say that in the context of ‘it needs to make sense for the player.’ It can't just be an approach by the developer that it's interesting, or it's a way for them as a development entity to make more money," Fils-Aimé said. "In the end, it's got to be good for the player, but I see an opportunity."
Lucky for Fils-Aimé, Climate Replay recently released a developer guide that will not only make blockchain games consumer-friendly but also better for the environment.