Ubisoft has launched its first true web3 project, *Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles*, a multiplayer tactical RPG featuring NFT-based digital figurines. Players can buy and sell these NFTs using cryptocurrency or in-game currency, with prices for some reaching up to $63,000. Despite the game’s free download, engagement in the NFT economy is necessary for competitive play, raising concerns about fairness. Ubisoft’s timing is precarious given the declining interest in NFTs and mixed reactions from gamers toward this technology.
Ubisoft has been exploring blockchain gaming for the past three years. After a few cautious steps, including the Ubisoft Quartz platform aimed at selling digital items as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the company is ready to unveil its first genuine web3 venture.
Champions Tactics Grimoria Chronicles, launched on October 23 for PC, is an “online multiplayer tactical role-playing game” where players assemble teams of three “champions” represented as detailed digital figures.
Figurines Available for Purchase with Cryptocurrency
The interesting aspect of this game is that these figures function as NFTs, which can be bought and sold through an integrated online marketplace. Players can choose to use the in-game currency or cryptocurrency for acquiring these digital collectibles. Some of these items have astonishing price tags, reaching as high as $63,000 for the rarest ones.
While the game’s promotional trailer does not highlight its web3 elements, engaging with the economy centered around non-fungible tokens is essential for playing Champions Tactics. Players need a Ubisoft account and a compatible blockchain wallet to participate. Moreover, the game has received a “Reserved for adults” classification, which is currently absent from the ESRB, the American games rating authority.
Ubisoft appears to be risking additional criticism with its NFT game initiative during a time when the NFT market is losing its momentum. Major industry figures like Mojang (Minecraft) and Valve (Steam) have distanced themselves from NFT technology, while Ubisoft seems intent on embracing it. Despite past endeavors, such as the Ubisoft Quartz platform,
In interviews, Ubisoft has articulated its strategy, indicating that Champions Tactics aims to “explore new methods of gameplay” and “enhance value for gamers.” Traditionally, Ubisoft has emphasized that players do not truly own their games. However, the current perception is mixed; with NFT figurines costing exorbitant amounts, the framework appears tailored more for investors than for everyday gamers.
“While the game is free to download, players must engage in the NFT economy to remain competitive,” notes Julien Merceron, an analyst at Gameblog. “This presents a clear disparity between those who can invest and those who cannot, which raises questions about gameplay fairness.”
Amidst existing challenges for Ubisoft, its dive into web3 is particularly precarious, as the gaming industry, excluding a few companies like EA, seems resistant to this technology. Recent comments from a Ubisoft executive suggesting that gamers “don’t understand” NFTs have drawn significant backlash.
As Ubisoft prepares to share its quarterly earnings next Wednesday, the low-key release of Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles is noteworthy. After delays of eagerly anticipated games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and multiple restructuring efforts over the year, Ubisoft is actively seeking new paths for growth.
Unfortunately for the company, its investment in NFTs comes at a moment when sentiments in the gaming world are shifting. Given a business model heavily reliant on high-priced digital figures, Champions Tactics risks fading into obscurity unless Ubisoft can effectively communicate the advantages of this technology to a community that has generally rejected it.