Japanese Game Maker Gumi Invests $6.6 Million in Bitcoin to Strengthen Web3 Presence
Tokyo-listed mobile game studio Gumi Inc. has announced its plan to purchase Bitcoin worth 1 billion Japanese yen (approximately $6.58 million) as part of its broader strategy to expand into the Web3 space.
The company disclosed in a statement on Monday that the acquisition will take place between February and May of this year. This investment aligns with Gumi’s ongoing efforts to enhance its node operation business and establish a stronger foothold in blockchain technology.
Strategic Move Towards Blockchain Integration
Gumi explained that its decision to invest in Bitcoin is aimed at reinforcing its financial position as it continues to explore blockchain-related ventures. A key aspect of this expansion includes the company’s participation in Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon as a validator, making it the first publicly listed company in Japan to do so during the second quarter of the fiscal year ending April 2025.
By staking its surplus Bitcoin funds in Babylon, Gumi anticipates generating secondary revenue streams through validator rewards, in addition to benefiting from any potential appreciation in Bitcoin’s price. The company also confirmed that it will conduct quarterly fair market value assessments of its cryptocurrency holdings, recording any resulting gains or losses in its income statement.
Gumi’s Blockchain and Gaming Legacy
Founded in 2007, Gumi has established itself as a leading mobile game developer with international hits such as Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and Brave Frontier. In addition to gaming, the company operates gumi Cryptos Capital (gCC), a venture capital arm focused on early-stage blockchain and crypto investments.
Gumi’s stock responded positively to the announcement, rising 3.65% on Monday to close at 454 yen, according to MarketWatch. Meanwhile, Bitcoin was trading at $97,608, reflecting a 0.8% increase in the past 24 hours, according to The Block’s Bitcoin price index.
Bitcoin Adoption Expands in Japan
Gumi’s move comes as other Japanese firms explore Bitcoin adoption. Investment advisory firm Metaplanet Inc. has positioned itself as the first publicly traded company in Japan to establish a Bitcoin treasury. The firm currently holds 1,762 BTC and plans to expand its holdings to 10,000 BTC by the end of the year, according to its latest financial statement.