As reported by Korean media, Krafton – a highly regarded developer and distributor in the gaming sphere – has strategically chosen to invest in the dynamic environment of the metaverse.
The sources revealed that Krafton made an investment in ZEPETO , they have taken a stake in a Korean metaverse service, a 3D digital space, which signals Krafton's serious intentions in the metaverse arena.
Krafton Invests In Metaverse Tech
In July, Krafton, the leading publisher of video games, made waves with an unannounced yet significant investment in the metaverse, with details emerging recently. Krafton's spokesperson disclosed their financial commitment in Naver Z, valued at approximately 5 billion Korean won, equating to around US$4.2 million.
Naver Z, part of Naver Corporation – a dominant force in Korea's web services – is behind Zepeto, a social platform offering a unique feature where users can create 3D avatars using their own facial likenesses, complete with various expressions.
Krafton Inc, which started out as Bluehole back in 2007 and was founded by Chang Byung-Gyu, is the mastermind behind iconic titles like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, popularly known as PUBG. This game has achieved cult status among gaming circles.
At the close of 2020, PUBG Corporation, responsible for PUBG Mobile, officially integrated into Krafton Inc. Having this merger, the company now oversees iconic games such as Tera and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds as part of the rebranded PUBG Studio.
This is a promising sign for PUBG fans.
The fusion of PUBG Corporation, now operating as PUBG Studio, with Krafton opens up numerous avenues for growth, enhancing their strategic approach to game development, with PUBG being a focal point.
Since 2017, the battle royale genre has seen unprecedented growth, maintaining its position as a staple in the gaming industry.
Anticipations for Upcoming Online Gaming Trends
Non-fungible token (NFT) games have undeniably surged as one of this year's prominent trends, igniting wide-ranging discussions and attracting a vast audience. Yet, as with all new digital phenomena, it brings its own set of challenges and risks.
The concern arises from the rapid proliferation of NFT games currently, where the escalating quantity doesn't always correlate with quality assurance.
Some projects focus solely on inflating prices for profit, benefiting distributors through manipulative tactics. The main monetary gains from NFT games are derived from the shift in virtual currency values, which are, by nature, at the mercy of distributors.
With blockchain applications booming within everyday life, South Korea is witnessing the gradual formation of NFT games grounded in Blockchain technology.
The marketplace for this emerging trend has gained attention and popularity. While the Play-to-Earn (P2E) model is captivating, it's merely one facet and doesn't singularly drive the success of NFT games.
At its core, gaming's fundamental purpose is fun and entertainment. However, with many projects being profit-oriented, there's a risk of the entertainment element being overshadowed.
A poorly engaging game with unsatisfactory rewards and vulnerability to market shifts raises valid concerns within the gaming community, complicating the path for NFT games to achieve mainstream appeal.
Hence, for blockchain games to thrive and evolve, focus must lie on investing in technology, nurturing talent, and adhering to foundational values. Only then can these projects endure beyond fleeting trends.
In the long run, NFT games promise to transcend trends, earmarking themselves as a potentially stable market presence moving forward.
Global tech visionaries and companies have acknowledged blockchain technology as a cornerstone of the tech arena, standing alongside innovations like AI and IoT. Krafton exemplifies the promising future awaiting both NFT games and the metaverse.
