Gaming Giant Take-Two Interactive to Acquire Zynga to Explore Web3 Opportunities

This article comes fromDecrypt, Original Author: Andrew Hayward

Odaily Translator |

This article comes from, Original Author: Andrew HaywardOdaily Translator |

Mobile game publisher Zynga made a name for itself with casual titles like FarmVille and Words With Friends, but the company has recently pivoted into blockchain-based NFT games. American game developer and publisher

Take-Two Interactive announced on MondayWill buy Zynga for $12.7 billion.It is reported that Take-Two Interactive is the parent company of the game brands Rockstar Games and 2K Games, and owns the franchise rights of popular games such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, NBA 2K and Borderlands. The "cash and stock" deal is expected to close by June 30, pending approval from the companies' respective shareholders and regulators.Late last year, Zynga made two announcements marking its shift toward blockchain-based NFT games. Last November, Zynga hiredMatt Wolf as VP of Blockchain Gaming

, plans to integrate NFT into existing IP and create new encrypted games from scratch. Then in December, the company partnered with

Blockchain game infrastructure company Forte reached a strategic cooperation

, to help realize these plans. Zynga has yet to announce its first blockchain game.

On Monday's conference call, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said the acquisition of Zynga would allow the combined company to address new "Web3 opportunities." He added, "This combination will allow us to solve the problem more effectively than either company alone."

Zynga CEO Frank Gibeau then further talked about the company's views on NFT projects.Gibeau said, "As far as NFTs are concerned, it's too early. I think conceptually, we have a lot of confidence and belief in this process-players want Play-to-Earn or Play-to-Own It's a very compelling idea. We think it will continue to gain traction and be successful as the industry evolves."

Gibeau has previously questioned the potential staying power of cryptocurrencies and the NFT metaverseUbisoft. Last May, on an earnings call, he said, “If you put the metaverse, SPACs, and cryptocurrencies together, is that going to matter five years from now? I’m not sure it will. meeting."

Traditional video game companies have shown more interest in the crypto space in recent months.Tezos-based in-game items were launched for "Ghost Recon: Breakpoint" (Ghost Recon: Breakpoint) in December last year, while Square Enix confirmed plans to create NFT games. "An important part of the future of our industry".。

However,However, the moves have also drawn backlash from gamers. Ubisoft faces resistance as it launches NFT platform Ubisoft Quartz,but opted to press ahead with its long-gestating planHowever,Canceled by developer GSC Game World