SQUARE Enix has released its first NFT, a physical action figure of Final Fantasy 7 protagonist Cloud Strife, with NFT certificate of authenticity.
In May, the publisher sold three of its major studios supposedly in order to invest in blockchain gaming.
Another figure for sale by Square Enix
Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, and Square Enix Montréal, were sold to the Embracer Group alongside its popular IPs.
This includes Thief, Legacy of Kain, Deus Ex, and most popularly the Tomb Raider franchise.
Yesterday, it was announced that the company had invested up to $35million (£30million) in a Bitcoin startup.
Today, new merchandise has become available via the Square Enix store which includes NFTs.
An action figure of Cloud Strife is available wearing his outfit from the FF7 Remake complete with his buster sword.
There are two versions of the figure. The regular version costs $129 (£110) but the digital plus version including NFTs costs $30 (£25) more.
The figure is boxed in with a code which enables buyers to download a digital certificate of authenticity, and a digital version of the figure.
Both of these are stored on Enjin’s Efinity blockchain and are therefore forms of NFTs.
In order to access the NFTs those who buy the figure have to download Enjin’s NFT Platform app.
There is also a warning on the store that if Enjin closes down, people will no longer have access to their NFTs.
Blockchains, NFTs, and cryptocurrency are all known for using high amounts of energy, and therefore being environmentally unfriendly.
The plot of Final Fantasy 7 sees Cloud battle against the evil Shinra corporation which is sucking the life force out of the planet.
Square Enix has also released two versions of another Cloud figure.
These figures feature Cloud in the dress, wig, and make-up he wears in order to gain an audience with the sleazy Don Corneo.
The static figure with Cloud posing demurely as if standing in front of Don costs $199 (£167), and the moveable action figure version will cost $5 less.
While pre-orders are now open, neither sets of figures will be available until November 2023.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
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