Ubisoft’s Upcoming Web3 Game Marks a Pivotal Moment in the Evolution of Video Games

Ubisoft, the renowned developer behind popular games like Ghost Recon and Assassin’s Creed, has recently unveiled its first-ever blockchain-based game, Champion Tactics: Grimoria. This release has the potential to be a turning point for the future of video games, as it could lead to the emergence of true AAA blockchain games.
Web3 gaming, which incorporates features like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and tokenized economies, has been hailed as a game-changer for the industry. However, up until now, blockchain games have struggled to gain traction and have been criticized by hardcore gamers for their low-quality gameplay and graphics compared to traditional AAA games.
One of the main challenges for Web3 games to achieve the AAA label is the scalability issue. Blockchains need to be able to handle a large number of players simultaneously, which can be a daunting task. Ethereum, for example, is a popular choice for blockchain games but is often congested, resulting in high gas fees.
Interoperability is another concern, as players are unable to transfer their assets and profiles between different platforms. This limitation restricts the benefits of decentralized digital assets for gamers.
However, Ubisoft is rising to the challenge with Champion Tactics: Grimoria. The gameplay trailer showcases high-end graphics and realistic animations, giving the game a polished AAA look and feel. The game is a player-versus-player tactical RPG with a gothic-dark fantasy aesthetic.
The gameplay revolves around figurine-like characters that are blockchain-based assets. Players choose three Champions to battle against other players, each with unique characteristics and abilities. The goal is to create the right balance of Champions with different combat skills to win turn-based battles.
Ubisoft’s choice to launch Champion Tactics: Grimoria on the Oasys gaming blockchain shows their commitment to scalability. Oasys employs a novel blockchain architecture consisting of a base layer for settling transactions and security, and a scaling layer for faster transaction processing.
Oasys also addresses interoperability concerns through its partnership with LayerZero, a protocol that enables different blockchains to communicate with each other. This allows players to transfer game data and assets seamlessly between platforms, increasing flexibility and choice.
While other video game publishers have shown interest in blockchain, Ubisoft’s dedication to the technology sets them apart. By launching their first Web3 game, they are taking a significant step forward and potentially paving the way for other top-tier publishers to explore blockchain gaming.
If Ubisoft succeeds in winning over critics and demonstrating the benefits of asset ownership in gaming, it could lead to a future where more AAA games incorporate blockchain technology. This would revolutionize the industry and provide players with new experiences and opportunities for digital ownership.
Ubisoft’s strategic innovation lab vice president, Nicola Pouard, acknowledges that Champion Tactics: Grimoria is not a true AAA title but rather a test to understand the market and the potential of asset ownership. If this initiative proves successful, Ubisoft and other publishers will likely continue to explore blockchain-based AAA games in the future.