KAI: Battle of the Three Kingdoms, a blockchain-based reimagining of Sega’s Sangokushi Taisen arcade game, will officially launch in early access on April 30.
Developed by Double Jump Tokyo under license from Sega, the game introduces NFT elements and a token-driven economy on the Oasys blockchain. A limited three-hour load test is scheduled today April 28, though progress will not carry over to the full release.
Interest in the game appears strong, with over one million players having pre-registered since early March.
What is KAI: Battle of the Three Kingdoms?
KAI: Battle of the Three Kingdoms transforms Sega’s 2005 arcade strategy title into a digital card battler where collectible NFTs are central to gameplay.
Players will collect and deploy “Awakened Warlords” cards, each featuring distinct skills and abilities. These cards will be minted on the Oasys blockchain, allowing players to trade them freely outside the game environment. The title will be accessible in English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese, and aims to blend traditional competitive card game mechanics with blockchain ownership features.
The game introduces a new token called $SGC, which players can use to purchase card packs, compete on leaderboards, and access competitive events such as tournaments. Players can also stake $SGC tokens to earn points toward additional in-game rewards.
Preceding the full launch, a brief browser-based test on PC will be held to monitor server stability, but no test data will be retained for the live version.
Sega’s approach to blockchain
Whilst KAI: Battle of the Three Kingdoms represents a notable expansion of Sega’s intellectual property into blockchain gaming, the company has stated it will not extend its most famous brands—such as Sonic the Hedgehog—into this space.
In 2023, Sega’s then co-COO Shuji Utsumi said the firm remained cautious about blockchain, highlighting concerns about brand reputation and the unknowns surrounding the NFT market.
Sega’s collaboration with Double Jump Tokyo on KAI follows a similar licensing deal for Code of Joker—adapted for the Sui blockchain—reflecting Sega’s strategy of experimenting with blockchain gaming through older or more niche franchises.
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