Long read: The beauty and drama of video games and their clouds

"It's a little bit hard to work out without knowing the altitude of that dragon..."

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Square Enix joins the Oasys blockchain

Chocoboo.

Cloud stares at camera in Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Image credit: Square Enix

Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix has joined the Oasys blockchain.

The company is now a node validator, claiming to be building an "environmentally friendly, proof of stake" blockchain.

Oasys will launch later this year, reports GamesIndustry.biz, with 21 node validators to begin with and more added over time.

Cover image for YouTube videoEverything You Need to Know About Final Fantasy 16 (So Far) - Final Fantasy 16 Gameplay
Everything You Need to Know About Final Fantasy 16 (So Far)

Currently, those node validators include Bandai Namco Research, Sega, Ubisoft, Netmarble, and others, plus now Square Enix.

Node validators store a copy of the blockchain and perform other functions to ensure the system is kept secure.

In addition, Square Enix will be working with Oasys to explore "the feasibility of harnessing user contributions in the development of new games on the Oasys blockchain."

Oasys claims to be a blockchain specifically for gaming, with Bandai Namco Research president and CEO Hajime Nakatani and co-chief operation officer at Sega and CEO at Sega of America Shuji Utsumi among the founding members.

It offers "a high-speed, zero gas fee experience to users by combining the best of public L1 and private L2 blockchain technology solutions", according to the website.

At the start of the year, Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda claimed NFTs and blockchain tech would be a "major trend" this year.

More recently, a series of Final Fantasy NFTs was announced to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 7.