Square Enix's NFTs make a mockery of Final Fantasy 7's important message
The Japanese publisher is pushing ahead with its NFT plans, for better or worse
➡️ The Shortcut Skinny
🙃 Square Enix is releasing Final Fantasy NFTs
🤔 The NFTs are tied to physical items
💰 Digital Plus Edition of the FF7 figurine that comes with an NFT is $159.99
😅 Square Enix admits you could lose access to your NFT certificate in the future
Minecraft might not be digging NFTs, but Final Fantasy 7 creator Square Enix is moving ahead with its plans to sell non-fungible tokens.
The Japanese publisher has partnered with NFT ecosystem Enjin, which calls the Final Fantasy VII NFTs “branded tokenized collectibles,” whatever that means.
A digital collection of cards will be released on the cross-chain network Efinity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 7, a game about stopping a greedy corporation from literally sucking the life out of the planet. 🙄
NFTs are notoriously bad for the environment, which has led to more eco-friendly NFT companies appearing. However, it’s still a long-term goal for many, with even Enjin promising that it “is committed to carbon-neutral NFTs by 2030.”
Speaking about the partnership with Square Enix, Enjin CTO Witek Radomski said:
“This partnership marks a coming-of-age phase for digital assets and entertainment; Square Enix, an esteemed developer with iconic intellectual property, is paving the way for the industry. By using Efinity, fans can experience interactive NFTs without even realizing they’re on the blockchain. Enjin can establish the next phase of growth in blockchain entertainment, merging curiosity and creativity.”
Curiously, the NFTs can be purchased by buying the deluxe version of physical products, beginning with a Cloud Strife action figure. The figurine costs $129.99, but you can pay $159.99 to get a “digital version of the figure” as well, which seems utterly ridiculous, especially when you read the product description.
“Digital version of the figure can be enjoyed on your smart phone or your PC through dedicated website.”
The Cloud Strife figurine with and without an NFT is due to release in November 2023, and this is where things get even more bizarre. The NFT and blockchain market is rather volatile, so there’s a lengthy disclaimer on Square Enix’s website that admits your NFT could be rendered pointless in the future.
“In case the Enjin services becomes unavailable in the future, you may lose access to the NFT digital certificate of authenticity and digital version of the figure.”
Amazing. 🤣
🤷 In other Final Fantasy news…
Square Enix is set to release several Final Fantasy games in the coming years. Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are due in 2023 on PS5, while Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core Reunion and Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis are out sometime this year.
🆚 PS5 vs Xbox Series X: which console should you buy?
If you’ve yet to play Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, which is one of the best PS5 games, it’s now part of the games library on PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra.