Ubisoft to Launch Blockchain Game ‘Champions Tactics

Ubisoft, the gaming giant behind popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has officially announced the release of its first original blockchain game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles. The game is set to launch on October 23, 2024, and will be available on the Oasys Home Verse network. A blockchain gaming platform. This marks a significant step for Ubisoft, as it further explores the integration of blockchain technology into mainstream gaming. A move they have been gradually making over the past few years.

A New Approach to Blockchain Gaming

Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles is a tactical role-playing game (RPG) that allows players to assemble teams of “Champions” to engage in strategic player-versus-player (PvP) battles in a dark fantasy world. Each Champion is a digital collectible with its own set of abilities. Giving players the opportunity to create unique combinations and strategies. The game will feature a total of 75,000 Champion characters. Each of which is minted as a non-fungible token (NFT) on the Oasys blockchain.

One of the key features of the game is The Forge. A crafting system that allows players to combine existing Champions to create new ones with different traits and abilities. This adds a layer of customization and strategy to the game. Encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and continuously improve their teams.

According to Nicolas Pouard, VP of Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab, the goal of Champions Tactics is to allow Web3 technology to “fade into the background,” letting players focus on the fun and strategy of the game. “We want the gameplay to be immersive and enjoyable, with blockchain technology working behind the scenes to enhance player experience and ownership,” Pouard explained in a release.

The Champions and NFTs

In addition to the 75,000 Champions minted for the game. Ubisoft previously launched 9,999 free Ethereum-based NFT profile pictures (PFPs) called The Warlords in late 2023. These Warlords, though not directly tied to gameplay, are part of Ubisoft’s broader blockchain strategy and can be traded on secondary marketplaces. Prices for these PFPs currently start at $60 worth of Ethereum (ETH). And they add another layer of digital ownership and community engagement for Ubisoft’s blockchain projects.

Unlike many other blockchain-based games that prioritize the financial aspect of gameplay, often referred to as GameFi (Game Finance). Ubisoft emphasizes that Champions Tactics is focused on pure, immersive gameplay. “This isn’t about GameFi—it’s about giving players the freedom to own their assets and shape the game’s future,” said Executive Producer Sylvain Loe-Mie. The development team behind Champions Tactics includes veterans who have worked on major Ubisoft titles. Bringing a wealth of expertise to this new blockchain endeavor.

The Growing Role of Blockchain in Ubisoft’s Future

Ubisoft’s foray into blockchain gaming is not new. In 2021, the company launched NFTs on the Tezos blockchain for its Ghost Recon: Breakpoint PC game. Which marked its first serious step into the world of crypto gaming. More recently, the company announced Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., another blockchain-based project that will be launched on the Ethereum scaling network, Arbitrum.

With Champions Tactics, Ubisoft aims to build on this foundation. Offering a blockchain game that appeals to both traditional gamers and those interested in the ownership opportunities that Web3 technology provides. By integrating blockchain in a way that doesn’t detract from the core gameplay experience. Ubisoft hopes to create a new type of game that blends immersive, fun experiences with the benefits of decentralized digital ownership.

Future Prospects

As Ubisoft continues to experiment with blockchain technology. It’s clear that the company is positioning itself as a major player in the evolving landscape of blockchain gaming. Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles represents a major step in this direction. Offering players a chance to not only engage in strategic gameplay but also to truly own their in-game assets in a decentralized environment.

Whether Champions Tactics will resonate with a broad audience remains to be seen. But the game is likely to attract both fans of tactical RPGs and those intrigued by the possibilities of blockchain-based digital ownership. As blockchain continues to gain traction in the gaming world. Ubisoft’s early adoption could give it a competitive edge in this emerging market.