Square Enix, a well-established name in the gaming industry known for franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, ventured into web3 gaming with the launch of Symbiogenesis. Announced in 2022 and released in late 2023, the game was introduced as a “collectible art project” featuring NFT-based characters in a multi-chapter interactive story. Unlike conventional role-playing games, it focused on a narrative-driven experience where players could purchase digital assets, unlock story content, and participate in a point-and-click treasure hunt on the Floating Island.

Symbiogenesis to Shutdown

Square Enix’s Symbiogenesis

Despite Square Enix’s reputation and the project’s unique approach, Symbiogenesis struggled to gain traction. Released at a time when enthusiasm for NFTs had already begun to decline, the game failed to meet the expectations of both web3 enthusiasts and traditional gamers. Its reception reflected broader skepticism toward NFT-based games, with many players questioning its long-term value and gameplay depth.

Symbiogenesis Logo and Key Art 1

Limited Engagement and Gameplay Challenges

One of the key criticisms of Symbiogenesis was its lack of engaging gameplay. Unlike web3 titles such as Axie Infinity, which incorporated financial incentives, or AAA games with immersive mechanics, Symbiogenesis offered a relatively passive experience. Players could buy and trade NFT characters, collect points, and progress through the storyline, but there was little else to keep them engaged. The game’s format did not provide the kind of interactivity or rewards that players had come to expect from blockchain-based games.

Additionally, the decision to allow only three players to participate in the final conclusive mission while the rest remained observers further alienated the community. This unusual design choice limited player involvement and contributed to the perception that Symbiogenesis was more of an experimental project than a fully developed game.

Symbiogenesis Treasure Hunt

The Impending Shutdown and Community Response

From the outset, Square Enix had positioned Symbiogenesis as a limited-time experience, structured into six chapters. However, when it was confirmed that the game would officially conclude on July 31, 2025, some players expressed disappointment. Although new in-game features and activities were planned for release in the months leading up to the shutdown, the announcement signaled the end of active development and server support.

The discontinuation of the game also raised concerns about the longevity of othere web3 gaming projects. Many blockchain-based games have struggled to maintain player trust, particularly when sudden changes or project closures impact those who have invested time and money. The broader web3 gaming industry has seen similar challenges, with security flaws and last-minute adjustments affecting player retention in various projects.

Symbiogenesis Logo and Key Art 2

Square Enix’s Continued Investment in Web3 Gaming

Despite the underwhelming response to Symbiogenesis, Square Enix remains committed to web3 gaming. The company has invested in blockchain-based projects such as The Sandbox and has formed partnerships with web3-focused development studios like Elixir and HyperPlay. These initiatives indicate that Square Enix sees potential in blockchain technology, even if its first major web3 title did not achieve significant success. While Symbiogenesis may not have met expectations, it serves as a case study in the evolving relationship between traditional gaming and blockchain technology.

The game’s experimental nature and structured timeline suggest that Square Enix was testing the waters rather than fully committing to a long-term web3 gaming model. Moving forward, the company’s role in the web3 space will likely be shaped by lessons learned from this project and the broader industry’s reception to blockchain-based gaming. Square Enix’s experience with Symbiogenesis highlights both the challenges and possibilities of integrating NFTs and blockchain technology into mainstream gaming. Whether the company’s next web3 venture will achieve greater success remains to be seen.

Source: CCN