Ubisoft has partnered with Integral Reality Labs to create a collaboration centered around Assassin’s Creed and NFTs
Ubisoft’s Journey into NFTs, from In-Game Items to Unique Collectibles and UNICEF Collaboration
Ubisoft, a renowned game publisher responsible for iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has emerged as a trailblazer in the integration of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within the gaming industry. With an eye toward enhancing player experiences and exploring the potential of the metaverse, Ubisoft has embarked on a series of innovative initiatives, collaborations, and experiments. From in-game NFTs to customizable collectibles, Ubisoft has been at the forefront of merging the realms of gaming and blockchain.
In 2021, Ubisoft made a significant breakthrough by becoming the first major game publisher to introduce in-game NFT items for an established title. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint on PC saw the integration of Tezos-based weapons and asset skins, creating a new paradigm for ownership and customization within the game. Players were able to own, trade, and showcase these exclusive digital assets, enhancing both gameplay and collectability.
NFT Experiments and Philanthropy
Ubisoft’s innovative spirit extended beyond gaming experiences and into the realm of social impact. The company conducted an NFT experiment based on its beloved Rabbids franchise, leveraging the power of blockchain technology to benefit UNICEF. The initiative aimed to raise funds for UNICEF’s charitable work by auctioning off limited-edition Rabbids NFTs. Through this collaboration, Ubisoft showcased the potential of NFTs to drive positive change while engaging the gaming community in philanthropic efforts.
Expanding into the Ethereum Metaverse
Ubisoft’s exploration of NFTs and blockchain technology took another exciting turn as the mischievous Rabbids made their appearance in The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based metaverse game. Players were able to interact with these iconic characters within the virtual world, further blurring the lines between gaming, blockchain, and the metaverse. This foray into the metaverse laid the foundation for Ubisoft’s future endeavors, hinting at a vision where players can seamlessly traverse between game worlds and digital ecosystems.
Assassin’s Creed Smart Collectibles
Ubisoft’s collaboration with Integral Reality Labs introduced Assassin’s Creed Smart Collectibles, a fusion of NFT ownership and physical customization. Through these collectibles, NFT holders gained the ability to personalize and redeem physical 3D-printed keepsakes depicting characters from the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The integration of NFTs, customizable options, and physical items aimed to provide fans with a unique collectible experience that bridged the digital and physical realms.
Unlocking Benefits with “Piece of Eden” Passes
Integral Reality Labs, in conjunction with Ubisoft, also introduced “Piece of Eden” passes alongside the Assassin’s Creed Smart Collectibles. These passes offered additional benefits to their holders, such as exclusive collectible drops and priority access to 3D printing services. The tiered rarity levels of the passes allowed for increased customization options for the associated physical collectibles, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
As Ubisoft continues to pioneer the integration of blockchain technology and NFTs within gaming, the possibilities for future innovations are tantalizing. The exploration of the metaverse, collaboration with charitable organizations, and the creation of unique collectibles underscore Ubisoft’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the relationship between players, digital assets, and virtual worlds. With a vast library of beloved game franchises and an appetite for innovation, Ubisoft is well-positioned to shape the future landscape of gaming and blockchain.
One Shot League: An NFT Spinoff
Continuing its exploration of the NFT space, Ubisoft introduced One Shot League, a spinoff of the popular NFT-based fantasy soccer game Sorare. One Shot League provided players with a unique fantasy soccer experience, allowing them to collect, trade, and manage virtual player cards on the blockchain. The integration of NFTs offered players true ownership and scarcity of their digital soccer stars, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of competition and collaboration.
Players who sign up now receive 25 free Sorare common cards and can use five cards per week to participate. However, if players sign up after the next match week, they will receive only 20 cards for the remaining weeks of the season. At the end of the season, top-performing players will have the chance to earn prizes, including rare Sorare cards.
One Shot League represents Ubisoft’s continued involvement in the crypto space and its commitment to supporting startups through its Entrepreneurs Lab program. This program has provided support to various blockchain projects, including Sorare, Splinterlands, and Planetarium, the developer of Nine Chronicles. While One Shot League is not Ubisoft’s first venture into crypto games, it showcases the company’s ongoing interest and active participation in the space. Overall, Ubisoft stands out as the most engaged traditional game publisher in the crypto arena.
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