Ubisoft’s Upcoming Web3 Game Marks a Turning Point for the Future of Video Games
Web3 gaming has long been touted as a game-changer for the video game industry, but so far, blockchain games have failed to make a significant impact. However, Ubisoft, the renowned developer behind hit titles like Ghost Recon and Assassin’s Creed, has just unveiled the gameplay trailer for its first-ever blockchain-based game, Champion Tactics: Grimoria.
The announcement at Paris Blockchain Week may pave the way for a breakthrough that brings true AAA games to the blockchain. In the video game industry, AAA games refer to the biggest and most popular titles created by top studios. While there are already hundreds of blockchain games available, none have achieved the coveted AAA game status.
The Challenges of Web3 Gaming
Until AAA games with Web3 characteristics like NFTs and tokenized economies become more prevalent, it’s difficult to argue that blockchain is the future of gaming. Most Web3 games are criticized by hardcore gamers who prioritize enjoyment over monetary gain. The gameplay experiences in these games often fall short of the high standards set by the most dedicated gamers. Additionally, the graphics in Web3 games are often inferior to those in top AAA games like Grand Theft Auto and Fortnite.
Another obstacle for Web3 games to attain the AAA label is the scalability of blockchains. To support millions of players simultaneously, blockchains need to be able to handle massive traffic. Ethereum, for example, is a popular choice for blockchain games, but it frequently suffers from network congestion and high gas fees.
Furthermore, the lack of interoperability among blockchains hinders players from transferring their assets and profiles across different platforms. This limits the benefits that decentralized digital assets are meant to provide gamers.
Ubisoft’s Response to the Challenges
Ubisoft’s foray into blockchain gaming demonstrates the industry’s efforts to overcome these challenges. The gameplay trailer for Champion Tactics: Grimoria suggests that Ubisoft may have succeeded in creating a game that satisfies hardcore gamers. The high-end graphics and realistic animations give the game a polished look and feel associated with AAA games.
The superior graphics will enhance the gameplay experience, which revolves around figurine-like characters that players can own as blockchain-based assets. In the game, players select three figurine “Champions” to battle against other players. Each Champion possesses unique characteristics and abilities, requiring players to strategically match three Champions with different combat skills to achieve victory in turn-based battles.
The figurines resemble tabletop game characters, and Ubisoft emphasizes that the gameplay is skill-based rather than reliant on chance, unlike traditional turn-based battle games. If the strategic element is sufficiently deep, combined with the potential for digital ownership, it could entice gamers to return to the game repeatedly.
Building on Strong Foundations
Ubisoft’s reputable track record in delivering AAA games gives us cause for optimism that its first Web3 game will elevate the gameplay experience. As for scalability concerns, Ubisoft has chosen to launch Champion Tactics: Grimoria on Oasys, a dedicated gaming blockchain. Oasys employs a unique blockchain architecture consisting of a Hub Layer and a Verse Layer, designed for settling transactions, security, and scalability.
Oasys’ Optimistic Rollups provide enhanced scalability by bundling transactions into a faster kind of Optimistic Rollup on the Verse Layer. This addresses the challenge of handling a large number of players.
Oasys also aims to solve the interoperability challenge through a partnership with LayerZero, a protocol that enables different blockchains to communicate with each other. This allows users to transfer game data and assets seamlessly across multiple platforms, increasing flexibility and choice for gamers.
Ubisoft Stays Committed
Ubisoft is not the only major video game publisher exploring blockchain technology. Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has already launched several Web3 games on its Epic Games Store marketplace. Other companies like Bandai Namco and Square Enix have also expressed interest in Web3.
However, not all video game publishers share this enthusiasm for Web3. Square Enix and Sega have seemingly abandoned the idea of creating blockchain games. Ubisoft deserves credit for sticking to its vision and proceeding with the launch of its first-ever Web3 game. When it debuts later this year, it could be the ultimate litmus test for blockchain gaming, as the first high-quality, Web3-native video game made by a respected developer and publisher of globally recognized AAA games.
The success of Ubisoft’s venture could open the floodgates for other top-tier video game publishers to explore the Web3 world, where ownership of in-game assets becomes the norm.
Ubisoft emphasizes that Champion Tactics: Grimoria is just a test, not a true AAA title. The company aims to demonstrate the benefits of asset ownership in gaming and understand the market’s response. If successful, Ubisoft and its peers will find it difficult to resist creating an entire new generation of blockchain-based AAA games.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and does not necessarily reflect the views of Ubisoft or Cryptonews.com.
