Tomb Raider publisher sells iconic video game franchise to invest in blockchain
Summary
The deal "enables the launch of new businesses by moving forward with investments in fields including blockchain, AI, and the cloud," Square Enix said in a statement announcing the news. While proponents of the technology say it could unlock new kinds of gaming experiences, many gamers arent convinced, viewing NFTs as an environmentally harmful cash grab. Tomb Raiders heroine quickly became a cultural icon, inspiring numerous films and merchandise, while also provoking a debate over the oversexualization of female characters in the gaming industry. Square Enix, which is best known for its popular Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Kingdom Hearts games, acquired ownership of the Tomb Raider series after buying Eidos Interactive in 2009. "Square Enix has been seeking to offload this part of its business to restructure and focus its investments," Piers Harding-Rolls, head of games research at Ampere Analysis, told CNBC.