Ubisoft's Champions Tactics The Anticipated First Web3 Game Releases on 23 October

Ubisoft Set to Launch Web3 Game: A New Era in Gaming?

Ubisoft is gearing up to launch Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, its first web3 game, on 23 October 2024.

This launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it embraces blockchain technology through the Oasys gaming platform.

Alongside major industry players such as SEGA, Bandai Namco, and Square Enix, Ubisoft serves as one of Oasys’s validators, demonstrating its commitment to this innovative space.

What Is Champions Tactics About?

Champions Tactics is a tactical RPG that invites players to assemble a team of mythical Champions and engage in exhilarating PvP battles.

Players will explore the dark and mystical realm of Grimoria, where strategic gameplay is key to victory.

Nicolas Pouard, VP of the Ubisoft Strategic Innovation Lab, shared,

“At Ubisoft Strategic Innovation Lab, our goal is to be pathfinders in delivering innovative player experiences. With Champions Tactics, we aim for Web3 technology to seamlessly fade into the background, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the fun and strategy of the game.”

How Has Ubisoft Prepared for This Launch?

Prior to this, Ubisoft had made several forays into the blockchain space.

In 2023, it launched a 10,000-profile picture NFT collection called The Warlords, followed by a 75,000-piece Champion Mint this July.

These initiatives have generated considerable excitement in the gaming community, as evidenced by the swelling community of over 100,000 X followers and 50,000 Discord users.

The closed alpha and beta tests involved thousands of players and received positive feedback, further refining the game’s mechanics.

What Makes the Game Unique?

At the heart of Champions Tactics is a collection of 75,000 Champions—digital collectibles with unique traits and abilities.

Players can create their ultimate team by strategically selecting three Champions for intense PvP encounters.

The Forge feature empowers players to blend the powers and traits of existing Champions, fostering a system of crafting that unlocks new abilities and enhances team dynamics.

This level of customisation is expected to bring players back for more, as they refine their rosters and climb the leaderboards.

What Role Does Oasys Play?

Oasys, while based in Singapore, has strong ties to Japan and recently secured investment from SBI Holdings.

The network boasts a diverse range of validators, including renowned companies like Softbank and Rakuten.

Ryo Matsubara, Oasys representative director, expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration:

“We’re delighted that Ubisoft has chosen to launch their first web3 game on HOME Verse, the Oasys L2 whose architecture has been engineered to support a seamless playing experience.”

What Challenges Has Ubisoft Faced?

Ubisoft's journey into blockchain has not been without challenges.

In 2020, it launched Rabbids, an initiative aimed at raising funds for UNICEF, which occurred before the NFT boom.

Following this, the introduction of NFTs via its Quartz platform in late 2021, intended for personalising player characters in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, faced backlash from many in the gaming community.

Despite Ubisoft's efforts to focus on genuine gamer engagement, the response was overwhelmingly negative.

Is Champions Tactics the Game to Change Perceptions?

As Ubisoft ventures into this new realm of gaming, it hopes that Champions Tactics will provide a pure, immersive gameplay experience that appeals to a broad audience.

Sylvain Loe-Mie, executive producer for the game, stated,

“With Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, we’re bringing a true gaming experience to Web3. This isn’t GameFi—it’s about pure, immersive gameplay that draws players in, while giving them the freedom to own their assets and shape the game’s future.”

The anticipation surrounding Champions Tactics is palpable, as players and fans await a game that aims to blend traditional gaming experiences with the burgeoning web3 landscape.

The release on 23 October 2024 promises to be a pivotal moment not just for Ubisoft but also for the future of web3 gaming.