TL;DR:
- Bandai Namco collaborates with Oasys to create an AI-powered virtual pet game based on NFTs.
- RYUZO game launched with 10,000 digital NFT eggs airdropped to Oasys holders.
- RYU creatures transform into soulbound tokens and learn from user interactions through AI.
- Players can nurture, feed, race, and create successive generations of virtual pets.
- Oasys plans collaborations with other game projects and further NFT releases.
- Bandai Namco also invests in a metaverse experience based on the “Gundam” anime franchise.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking move that combines the world of gaming with cutting-edge blockchain technology, Bandai Namco, a major player in the video game industry, has partnered with Oasys, a gaming-centric blockchain network, to create an innovative AI-powered virtual pet game centered around NFT-based digital creatures named RYU.
Developed in collaboration with the Japanese startup Attructure and published by Double Jump.Tokyo, the highly anticipated RYUZO game was officially launched on Wednesday. As a prelude to its release, 10,000 digital NFT eggs (also known as MARYU) were airdropped to holders of Oasys’ inaugural series of NFTs in the “Oasyx” project.
Once hatched, these endearing RYU creatures transform into soulbound tokens, meaning they become locked to their original wallet and are not transferable or tradable. Taking inspiration from the classic Tamagotchi virtual pet game, RYU will evolve a unique personality and unlock various abilities based on user interactions. Players can nurture, feed, and even race their virtual pets, allowing them to form strong bonds with these digital companions.
The real innovation lies in the integration of artificial intelligence, which enables these NFT-based creatures to learn and grow, providing users with a more advanced and immersive virtual pet experience compared to previous endeavors in the genre.
In addition to these exciting features, players will have the opportunity to create successive generations of MARYU within the game application. Although the nurturing phase of the game is expected to conclude after a year, the RYU creatures will remain active beyond that, offering an enduring and captivating experience for players.
Oasys has exciting plans for the future as well, with a lineup of collaborations with other noteworthy game projects, combined with further NFT releases. The first in line is a crossover event with the popular blockchain game Brave Frontier Heroes, developed by none other than Double Jump.Tokyo.
Bandai Namco needs no introduction in the gaming world, formed by the merger of the renowned game studio Namco and the entertainment giant Bandai back in 2005. The publisher is responsible for numerous blockbuster titles such as Pac-Man, Soulcalibur, Tekken, and the critically acclaimed action role-playing game Elden Ring, which took the gaming community by storm last year.
RYUZO was a product of Bandai Namco’s Research division, led by the visionary Hajime Nakatani, a seasoned game director and studio supervisor who has worked on a plethora of successful video games for the publisher. Nakatani’s expert guidance ensured the successful creation of the captivating Oasys NFT project.
But Bandai Namco is not alone in exploring the vast potential of Oasys. Gaming giant Ubisoft is also in the process of developing its next blockchain game called Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles on the Oasys platform. Meanwhile, Sega’s classic Virtua Fighter franchise joined forces with Oasys for a remarkable collaboration, with series creator Yu Suzuki playing a crucial role in the endeavor.
Furthermore, Bandai Namco had previously delved into the world of NFTs with its first project, World of Den-On-Bu, allowing users to acquire tokens inspired by the renowned Japanese dance music game series of the same name.
And that’s not all; Bandai Namco is venturing into the metaverse as well. They have unveiled ambitious plans for a metaverse experience based on the beloved “Gundam” anime franchise, with investments exceeding $130 million in this grand-scale project. The launch of this remarkable venture is anticipated for October this year, promising a thrilling journey into the future of gaming.
Conclusion:
Bandai Namco’s foray into the AI-powered virtual pet game realm, combined with NFT technology and metaverse initiatives, marks a significant step in the gaming industry’s evolution. The collaboration with Oasys opens up new possibilities for immersive and personalized gaming experiences, while also tapping into the growing trend of blockchain-based assets. As more traditional game publishers embrace innovative technologies, the market is likely to witness further convergence of gaming and blockchain, catering to the demands of tech-savvy consumers and shaping the future of interactive entertainment.