While cryptocurrency has been around for a while, it’s also seen a resurgence thanks to the currency in its newest form: NFTs. Short for Non-Fungible Tokens, the cryptocurrency involves taking a digital asset like an image and attaching a dollar value to it in cryptocurrency. They are then bought and sold by other investors in cryptocurrency, often reaching astronomical prices. Companies the world over have adopted this form of cryptocurrency into their marketing, including anime franchises such as Astro Boy, Fist of the North Star, and Muv-Luv Alternative and Atterman.
This newest trend doesn’t exist without concerns or criticisms, however. As the trend’s popularity grew, news of scams, art theft, and environmental concerns grew right along with them. Now, the official Twitter account for the Boruto franchise has something to say about NFTs.
⚠️We have been receiving inquiries regarding the authenticity of the information that spreads via the Internet about “officially” licensed NFT artifacts and games based on NARUTO. No license has been issued to authorize such products. Please watch out for false information.
— アニメ BORUTO-ボルト-【公式】 (@NARUTOtoBORUTO) March 11, 2022
While the Boruto franchise has concerns about unlicensed NFTs, there’s also no word on whether the franchise will actually take the route of minting NFTs at any point. The idea of favorite franchises adopting cryptocurrency has put fans and consumers on high alert and forced companies to add their surprise announcements to include that they won’t be involved with NFTs, as seen in a previous Twitter post from Shonen Jump.
Whichever way the wind blows for the relationship between companies and NFTs is anyone’s guess. While adopting cryptocurrency as a business model may lead to a rift between consumers and their favorite franchises, it’s possible that the US government’s involvement in regulating cryptocurrency may make it that companies will soon be the only ones financially able to flourish under its use. Or it may simply die out as the materials needed to mine and farm the currency become less available due to supply issues.
Like it or not, for now, it looks like NFTs are part of the anime and manga sphere at least for the time being. Engagement is critical in this issue as fans use their voices to let companies know exactly what they do and don’t want to see from them. With any luck, companies will make sure to weigh their pros and cons carefully in order to maintain an audience.
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Source: Anime News Network
