Andrew Wilson, the CEO of EA, recently spoke about the gaming industry’s future, stating that he believed that blockchain-based games and NFTs would play a pivotal role in the industry. However, he did concede that he wasn’t sure about how they would make an impact.
Still At An Early Stage
The statement made by Wilson was first reported by PC Gamer, which was covering the earnings call, during which the EA CEO claimed that NFTs and blockchain-based games, aka play-to-earn games, are the future of the gaming industry. However, Wilson was quick to add that it is still too early to figure out how they would work or change the gaming landscape.
“I think that in the context of games we create and the live services that we offer, collectible digital content is going to play a meaningful part in our future. So, it’s still early to tell, but I think we’re in a really good position, and we should expect us to kind of think more innovatively and creatively about that on a go-forward basis.”
No Plans For Blockchain Games Or NFTs
Despite Wilson’s statements, EA has not revealed any plans for blockchain games or NFTs, at least officially. However, other gaming giants have already put into motion their plans regarding blockchain games and NFTs. Ubisoft has already announced that it is working on plans to develop blockchain-based games and NFTs. Ubisoft has also revealed that it will be utilizing play-to-earn techniques in its games, allowing players to earn digital content by playing games from Ubisoft.
Heavy Criticism
Blockchain-based games and NFTs have come in for significant criticism, mostly due to their role in damaging the environment and promoting the use of cryptocurrencies, which have also been criticized due to the amount of energy it requires to mine them, resulting in significant amounts of harmful emissions.
Banning NFTs And Blockchain Games
Some gaming companies have done the opposite of Ubisoft and EA, where instead of endorsing them, they have banned them entirely from their platforms. Steam recently announced that it would not let developers publish any game or application built using blockchain technology or those that facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Tim Sweeny, the CEO of Epic Games, was also very critical of NFTs. However, he later backtracked and revealed that the Epic Games store would be open to working with blockchain technology developers. This change of heart is widely viewed as a response to the Steam ban.
A Sustainable Option
While cryptocurrencies and NFTs are largely seen as detrimental to the planet and the environment, Ethereum is working on something that it calls “The Merge.” Ethereum claims that The Merge would ring in an era of a more sustainable and eco-friendly Ethereum blockchain.
Ubisoft’s Blockchain Bet
Ubisoft, the name behind classic games such as Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, revealed plans for using blockchain technology and blockchain gaming during its Q2 earnings call. The gaming giant revealed that it is exploring blockchain technology, with the company backing Animoca Brands in a significant way, with the company’s CFO calling the technology revolutionary.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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