Ubisoft Unveils Blockchain RPG at Paris Blockchain Week

Ubisoft is making significant strides in the blockchain gaming space with the debut of its first gameplay trailer for Champion Tactics Grimoria at Paris Blockchain Week. The game, a tactical player-vs-player RPG, represents a pioneering venture for the AAA game studio into blockchain-based gaming.

The lead developers showcased how players can craft unique blockchain-based figurines. These figurines, each with distinct features and characteristics, can be assembled into teams of three for the game’s turn-based battles. This gameplay mechanic not only emphasizes strategy but also the uniqueness of each player’s approach.

The game mirrors the high standards typical of Ubisoft titles, with advanced graphics and animations that enrich the player experience. Mastery of the game will require players to strategically select hero combinations that best complement their team and counter the opposition’s lineup.

Nicolas Pouard, a spokesperson for Ubisoft, highlighted that the development approach for Champion Tactics Grimoria was distinct from other blockchain games. The focus was on creating a comprehensive universe around the game’s assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are integral to the gameplay. This approach aims to blend traditional gaming quality with the innovative aspects of blockchain technology.

The gameplay centers around champion figurines, each endowed with a range of skills and abilities. These champions are akin to characters in games like DOTA, where the synergy between different classes and counter-strategies against opponents is key to success.

At the event, Ubisoft and Oasys, the gaming blockchain protocol powering the game, provided attendees with a firsthand experience of the gameplay. They also introduced a new whitelist feature, allowing prospective players to start crafting figurines for their champion rosters.

Furthermore, Ubisoft’s commitment to the blockchain gaming sector is not primarily financially driven. Instead, as Pouard noted, the goal is to demonstrate that Ubisoft can deliver a high-quality Web3 game that affords players genuine ownership of digital assets.

“We must understand the market and how we launch this kind of game,” Pouard said. “We want to give the players the power to populate the game with figurines and truly understand what it means to own your gaming assets.”

Additionally, Oasys announced a collaboration with the omni-chain interoperability protocol LayerZero. This partnership is part of Oasys’s 2024 Dragon Update, aimed at boosting interoperability across its gaming ecosystem, and enhancing the player experience by enabling cross-chain interactions.

Ubisoft’s Champion Tactics Grimoria not only marks the company’s entry into blockchain gaming but also sets a new standard for integrating traditional gaming excellence with the novel features of blockchain technology. This game could potentially reshape how players perceive ownership and value in digital gaming spaces.