SQUARE ENIX Might Bring NFTs To Physical Game Collectables

Rundown:

• SQUARE ENIX was recently awarded a patent for an inspection system that uses image recognition technology to verify the authenticity of video game collectables, such as figures or products.
• The system acquires an image of the collectable and analyses it based on known characteristics of genuine objects or related objects associated with it.
• If the collectable is determined to be genuine, the system issues a non-fungible token (NFT) certificate that serves as proof of authenticity, potentially granting privileges or benefits in associated video games.
• While the patent suggests the possibility of a standalone application for this technology, the specific hosting platform has not been confirmed.

Earlier today, we came across a recently published patent from SQUARE ENIX titled, “INSPECTION PROGRAM AND INSPECTION SYSTEM,” filed in January. The patent, published earlier this month, describes an inspection system for verifying the authenticity of video game collectables, such as figures or products, using image recognition technology. The aim is to issue a certificate of authenticity for a collectable even after it has been received by the player.

“An inspection program causes a server to implement an image acquisition function to acquire an image, a determination function to determine whether or not the initial object is a genuine object based on at least a portion of a first object included in the image or at least a portion of a second object pertaining to the first object, and a certificate issuance function to issue an NFT certificate corresponding to the first object if the first object is determined to be a genuine object,” reads the abstract for the patent.

First, the system acquires an image of the video game collectable and uses image analysis to determine whether the object is genuine by comparing it with known characteristics of genuine video game collectables. This analysis can be based on either the collectable itself or related objects associated with it.

Finally, if the collectable is determined to be genuine, the system issues a non-fungible token (NFT) certificate that corresponds to the collectable, providing proof of its authenticity. Although the hosting platform for this inspection system remains uncertain, hints from the patent indicate that SQUARE ENIX may release a standalone application for this technology.

According to the patent’s claims, the system acquires an image, determines if the object in the image is genuine by analysing either the object itself or a related object, and issues a non-fungible token (NFT) certificate for the object if it is determined to be genuine.

The system may be configured to determine if the issued non-fungible token (NFT) certificate meets predetermined conditions and, if the object is genuine and the non-fungible token (NFT) certificate meets these conditions, register information related to the object.

In the context of this patent, “object” refers to physical items or products that can be visually identified or represented through images. It may include various types of goods, such as figures, collectables, artworks, or any other tangible items that may have value or authenticity associated with them.

These items are typically subject to potential counterfeiting or misrepresentation, which is why SQUARE ENIX focuses on providing a system to verify their authenticity. Interestingly, the patent also mentions the granting of privileges to holders of non-fungible token (NFT) certificates. These privileges can be related to certain benefits or advantages in a particular video game.

It further elaborates by specifying that the privileges can include generating special effects or enhancements (buff effects) on in-game objects within video games associated with the person holding the non-fungible token (NFT) certificate.

Furthermore, the issuance of the non-fungible token (NFT) certificate involves associating the certificate with player-recognisable content, which can provide additional information or visual representation related to the physical collectable.

Last month, a patent filed by Sony Interactive Entertainment came to light, detailing a system that tracks players’ in-game activities and grants them non-fungible token (NFT)-backed digital assets as rewards based on their achievements. It appears that SQUARE ENIX has similar plans but with a focus on physical collectables associated with their popular video game franchises like FINAL FANTASY and NieR.

SQUARE ENIX has faced its fair share of discussions surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In March, the company introduced SYMBIOGENESIS, a complete role-playing video game that utilises blockchain technology and includes 10,000 unique and collectable non-fungible tokens (NFT). It appears that SQUARE ENIX intends to continue its ventures in the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFT) without slowing down.

While the introduction of SQUARE ENIX’s proposed inspection system is likely to generate discussions and debates among players and collectors, it is crucial to understand that this system is currently at the patent stage. Its existence as a patent does not guarantee its immediate implementation or development. The future will reveal the specific ways in which the company plans to incorporate this technology into its product lineup and the impact it will have on the gaming and collectables community.

What do you think about this? Do tell us your opinions in the comments below!

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