Square Enix invests in blockchain football MMO Soccerverse

Soccerverse, the developer behind the multiplayer online game of the same name, recently secured $3.1 million in funding led by Japanese gaming powerhouse Square Enix on July 11. 

The game, which is currently in beta, operates on the Polygon blockchain and offers a sports simulation experience akin to the Football Manager series. Players can engage in various roles such as team coaching or player representation. Although it’s free-to-play, the game incorporates web3 features.

In a recent update, Soccerverse noted that it has raised $44 million to date, with $4 million coming from the latest round of funding. The involvement of Square Enix, known for its Final Fantasy series and other major IPs, is seen as a positive sign for the startup’s future.

Hideaki Uehara, General Manager of Investment and Business Development at Square Enix, shared their excitement about the project: 

“Soccerverse stands out for its innovative use of blockchain technology within the genre. We’re excited to support it not just as fans but as investors as well.”

Timing crucial

The timing of this investment could be pivotal. While football management simulations are not typically mainstream, the upcoming release of a new Football Manager game later this year could provide a significant opportunity for Soccerverse. As Sega and Sports Interactive prepare to launch the latest edition of the franchise, Soccerverse aims to attract both Web3 enthusiasts and traditional gamers by offering a unique alternative.

Soccerverse CEO Andy Gore commented on the investment, stating: 

“Partnering with a globally renowned company like Square Enix is a major milestone for us. This funding will enable us to enhance our game’s quality and expand our reach to a global audience.”

Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/square-enix-backs-blockchain-based-football-mmo-soccerverse-web3