Video game behemoth Ubisoft is making significant strides in the flourishing NFT gaming space, adding yet another blockchain network to its roster as a validator. In an announcement, the firm revealed its support for the Cronos network, where it will operate a node on the open-source blockchain that is interoperable with Ethereum and Cosmos.
Ubisoft will play a new role on the Cronos network
As the creator of iconic gaming franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance, the firm will play a crucial role in producing and confirming new blocks on the Cronos network. This collaborative effort will see the firm joining 27 other Cronos blockchain validators, including industry players like Crypto.com and Blockdaemon. The inclusion of multiple validators enhances network decentralization.
While the terms of the alliance and any financial arrangements between Ubisoft and Cronos Labs have not been disclosed, the move signals Ubisoft’s commitment to advancing blockchain gaming. Cronos Labs expressed excitement about the collaboration and their intention to leverage Ubisoft’s expertise through its Strategic Innovation Lab.
Ken Timsit, Managing Director of Cronos Labs, emphasized their anticipation of working with Ubisoft to progress on the technical and ecosystem roadmap of the Cronos chain. Notably, the company had previously mentored startups participating in the Cronos Accelerator Program in 2022, reinforcing its interest in the blockchain space.
Ubisoft’s involvement with Cronos represents the latest in a series of strategic moves by the publisher to expand its presence in the NFT gaming realm. Over the years, Ubisoft has developed and launched its blockchain games, supported various networks and platforms, and even invested in NFT projects.
The platform continues to grow rapidly in the gaming sector
One such project in development is Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, a tactical role-playing game announced on the Oasys blockchain network last month. Ubisoft’s NFT ventures began in late 2021 when it introduced in-game NFT items on the Tezos blockchain for its popular Ghost Recon: Breakpoint PC game.
However, the move was met with backlash from traditional gaming fans who criticized the company’s entry into the NFT world. Undeterred, Ubisoft continued its exploration of blockchain technology in 2018, experimenting with a Minecraft-like prototype called HashCraft that never saw a public release. The publisher then ventured into a Rabbids-themed NFT experiment and incorporated its Rabbids characters into the Ethereum metaverse game, The Sandbox.
Throughout its journey in the blockchain space, the firm has supported other blockchain ecosystems, including Tezos and Hedera, by running validators. Additionally, the company has been actively involved in the NFT gaming market by engaging with platforms like Axie Infinity and Sorare, along with the EOS-based crypto gaming marketplace, Ultra. Moreover, Ubisoft has shown its dedication to nurturing the crypto and NFT startup community through its Entrepreneurs Lab program.
By partnering with Cronos and exploring various blockchain networks, Ubisoft is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of the ever-evolving NFT gaming landscape. As the gaming industry continues to embrace blockchain technology, Ubisoft’s expertise and involvement promise to shape the future of NFT gaming, inspiring further innovation and captivating gaming experiences for players worldwide.
