Ubisoft Unveils Its First Blockchain Game: Champions Tactics with NFTs Priced Up to £50k

Ubisoft has officially launched its first blockchain game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, a tactical NFT battler that promises deep strategic gameplay. The game, which is available on PC, allows players to engage in battles using unique figurines that can be purchased as NFTs, with prices ranging from $7 to an astonishing $64,000 (nearly £50k). This launch marks a significant step for Ubisoft in the blockchain gaming space, following years of exploration and development.

Key Takeaways

• Game Overview: Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles is a tactical NFT battler featuring turn-based gameplay.

• NFT Figurines: Players can purchase figurines as NFTs, with prices ranging from $7 to £50k.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Players can battle using squads of three figurines, with the option to play without purchasing NFTs.

• Strategic Depth: The game offers unique in-game assets and millions of procedurally generated figurines.

• Market Context: Ubisoft's launch comes amid a mixed reception of NFTs in the gaming industry.

Ubisoft's Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles is designed to offer a unique gaming experience, drawing comparisons to physical trading card games. Players can engage in turn-based battles, utilizing squads of three figurines, each with distinct stats and abilities. The game is free to start, but players looking to enhance their experience can invest in NFT figurines through the in-game marketplace.

Francois Bodson, the studio director at Ubisoft Paris, emphasized the game's strategic depth and innovative features. He stated, "The team inside the Ubisoft Paris studio developing Champions Tactics partnered with Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab and Oasys to ensure that our use of blockchain was done in service of delivering new and innovative gaming experiences for our players."

Unique Features of Champions Tactics

1. Procedurally Generated Figurines: Millions of unique figurines are available, each shaped by player choices.

2. Open Marketplace: Players can trade figurines on a peer-to-peer basis, enhancing the collectability aspect.

3. Community Engagement: Ubisoft has collaborated with its community through events and beta phases to refine the game.

Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, the game has received an Adults Only rating, likely due to its blockchain and cryptocurrency elements. This rating raises questions about the accessibility of the game to younger audiences.

Ubisoft's foray into blockchain gaming follows its previous attempts with NFTs, including the launch of its NFT platform, Quartz, in December 2021. However, the initial reception of Quartz was lukewarm, with reports indicating that only 15 NFTs were sold during its beta trial.

Industry Context

The gaming industry has seen a mixed response to NFTs, with some developers stepping back from their initial enthusiasm. EA's Andrew Wilson, for instance, previously described NFTs as an important part of the industry's future but has since adopted a more cautious stance. Ubisoft's decision to launch Champions Tactics suggests a commitment to exploring blockchain technology, even as other companies reconsider their strategies.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles represents a bold move by Ubisoft, aiming to carve out a niche in the burgeoning world of blockchain gaming. Whether players will embrace this new model remains to be seen, but Ubisoft is clearly betting on the potential of NFTs to enhance the gaming experience.

Sources

• Ubisoft launches first-ever blockchain game, with NFTs costing up to £50k | Eurogamer.net, Eurogamer.net.