Ubisoft Announces 10,000 NFT Launch on Arbitrum for Early Access to New Game ‘Captain Laserhawk’

Video game giant Ubisoft is preparing to launch a 10,000-piece non-fungible token (NFT) collection on Arbitrum, Ethereum’s largest optimistic rollup, via the Magic Eden marketplace. 

This collection will grant holders early access to Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., a top-down shooter inspired by the Netflix series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix and Ubisoft’s Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Set in a dystopian world, the game will feature iconic Ubisoft characters from Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Beyond Good & Evil.

Introducing the Niji Warrior IDs

The NFTs, called Niji Warrior IDs, will be minted on Arbitrum and offer more than just early access. They will enable players to participate in game governance, track player progress, and evolve based on in-game performance. This evolution will unlock new perks and increase players’ influence in governance. 

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NFT holders can also earn rewards and access user-generated content, though the details of these features remain unclear. Magic Eden CEO and co-founder, Jack Lu, commented: 

It’s incredible to see the ways Web3 and blockchain technology can influence and enhance the gaming experience, and we’re grateful to the teams at Ubisoft and Arbitrum Foundation for the collaboration. Enabling players to help create, craft and own part of the gameplay experience through Magic Eden NFTs is truly a gift to its community.

Jack Lu, Magic Eden

This is Ubisoft’s second blockchain game, following Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles on the Oasys network. Captain Lawserhack is expected to mint in the coming weeks, and there’s already an allowlist for prospective minters.

Ubisoft has been a pioneer in integrating blockchain technology in gaming, having previously released NFTs for Ghost Recon: Breakpoint on the Tezos blockchain in 2021, which wasn’t very welcomed by the gaming community due to their animosity against NFTs. This is mostly because crypto games aren’t usually fun, and incorporating NFTs shifts the focus from gaming to profits. 

Payout Incoming?

During the same week as the announcement, Tencent, a crypto-friendly Chinese gaming giant, and the Guillemot family are reportedly discussing the purchase of Ubisoft. According to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter, Ubisoft was forced to reduce its revenue expectations for its upcoming flagship gaming title, “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows”. 

Is it over for Ubisoft? Maybe. Details are scarce, but as per the report, Tencent and the Guillemot family could take the company private, meaning it wouldn’t be required to disclose its earnings publicly, among other practices.

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