Square Enix Dives Deeper into Western Games with Web3 Potential? Vaultbreakers ARPG Gets Funding Boost
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Square Enix is investing in Danish indie studio BetaDwarf to support development of *Vaultbreakers*, an ARPG with multiplayer potential, hinting at the company's continued interest in Western-developed games and possible future integration of Web3 technologies.
Square Enix, after restructuring its Western studios in 2022, is doubling down on publishing Western-developed games, signaling a potential strategic shift towards titles that could incorporate Web3 elements in the future. According to a recent report by Eurogamer, Square Enix has invested in Danish indie studio BetaDwarf to support the development of their upcoming ARPG, *Vaultbreakers*. This move comes after the success of indie title *PowerWash Simulator* and the publishing of *Life is Strange Double Exposure*, indicating a continued interest in Western talent and innovative game design.
Hideaki Uehara, Square Enix general manager of business development, expressed excitement about *Vaultbreakers*' multiplayer experience and the development team's passion. BetaDwarf CEO Steffen Kabbelgaard emphasized the value of this partnership in bringing *Vaultbreakers* to a wider audience, highlighting the positive feedback from over 50,000 players who participated in beta testing. *Vaultbreakers* is described as a Diablo-esque top-down ARPG with both PvE and PvPvE modes, suggesting the game could have opportunities for NFT integration, token rewards, or player-owned assets – all core concepts in Web3 gaming.
While details on potential Web3 integration within *Vaultbreakers* are currently scarce, Square Enix's investment could signal a broader strategy to explore blockchain gaming opportunities. The company previously released the *Symbiogenesis* project with NFTs, indicating interest in the space. A successful integration of Web3 elements into a game like *Vaultbreakers* could provide players with true ownership and enhance the game's long-term engagement through community-driven initiatives.
Tags: Web3 gaming, Square Enix, ARPG, NFTs, Vaultbreakers
Original article: Eurogamer