The Arbitrum Foundation and Sequence are collaborating with Ubisoft Labs to develop a Web3 game titled “Captain Laserhawk: the G.A.M.E.” This new title will expand the universe of the “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix” series, which Ubisoft produced for Netflix. The game will feature iconic characters from renowned franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Beyond Good and Evil.
The initial phase of Captain Laserhawk: the G.A.M.E. will be built on the Arbitrum blockchain. This decision leverages Arbitrum’s capability to manage the scale and speed necessary to support a growing and active community. Sequence will contribute crucial blockchain tools to the partnership, enhancing the game’s infrastructure and capabilities.
Despite the slow acceptance of blockchain technology among mainstream Western gamers, Ubisoft remains committed to exploring Web3 opportunities in gaming. This commitment persists despite the backlash Ubisoft faced in 2021 when it introduced non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Breakpoint,” which led to significant fan uproar. The negative reception prompted large gaming companies to proceed cautiously with blockchain technology, especially with hardcore gamers.
A Renewed Commitment to Blockchain Gaming
Nicolas Pouard, vice president of the Ubisoft Strategic Innovation Lab and head of blockchain initiatives at Ubisoft Entrepreneurs Lab, discussed Ubisoft’s renewed commitment to blockchain games. While blockchain gaming is only beginning to find a mass audience with titles like “Hamster Kombat” on Telegram and “Pixels,” Ubisoft has forged new partnerships and relationships with blockchain gaming startups. The company has expanded its blockchain gaming team and is licensing its intellectual property to Web3 gaming companies, including VeVe and Cross the Ages, the latter featuring a Watch Dogs card deck partnership.
Ubisoft is working with multiple blockchains such as Aleph, Flow, XPLA, and Sequence. Additionally, Ubisoft is developing “Champions Tactics” with Oasys. Pouard mentioned that by the end of the year, two Ubisoft Web3 games would likely be available to the public.
Captain Laserhawk: the G.A.M.E. is described as a transmedia gaming adventure where the community drives the narrative through innovative Web3 governance. Players assume the role of citizens in the dystopian world of Eden, a totalitarian successor to the U.S. By overcoming challenges across various channels within and outside Ubisoft’s ecosystem, players can enhance their citizen score and increase their influence in shaping the narrative. As the story progresses, the entire community will have the opportunity to influence the plot and participate in key decision-making moments by unlocking, creating, and sharing content.
Collaborative Future for Web3 Gaming
Nicolas Pouard emphasized that with Arbitrum’s advanced blockchain infrastructure and Sequence’s comprehensive Web3 stack, Captain Laserhawk: the G.A.M.E. is positioned to be a groundbreaking, player-driven project. He noted that the game’s blockchain features on Arbitrum empower the community to have a significant voice in shaping the story, gameplay, and side experiences. This fosters transparency and shared creation, paving the way for a truly collaborative future for Captain Laserhawk.
This experience is distinguished by its unprecedented level of player influence over the game’s development, allowing the community to help shape its evolution. Over time, as players progress, their characters can evolve from anonymous individuals into influential leaders within Eden.
Peter Kieltyka, CEO of Sequence, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Ubisoft, a globally renowned game publisher, and Arbitrum, a robust blockchain ecosystem. He highlighted that Sequence’s easily integrated Web3 platform ensures seamless player journeys and unlocks endless creative gameplay and world-building opportunities for Captain Laserhawk and its players.
Nina Rong, head of ecosystem development at the Arbitrum Foundation, remarked that it is exciting to see leading gaming studios like Ubisoft turn to Arbitrum to support their ambitious community-driven project. She noted that this collaboration marks a significant step towards increased adoption and accessibility in the industry. Arbitrum’s gaming ecosystem continues to grow, and increased focus from established studios will expedite this growth.
Ubisoft reiterated its commitment to adhering to community feedback and closely monitoring the needs of players as they engage with the new Captain Laserhawk experience. The company aims to ensure that player input shapes the game’s development and enhances the overall gaming experience.
In summary, Ubisoft’s collaboration with the Arbitrum Foundation and Sequence on Captain Laserhawk: the G.A.M.E. represents a bold step into the future of Web3 gaming. By leveraging blockchain technology to foster community-driven narratives and player influence, this project aims to create an immersive and collaborative gaming experience that sets a new standard in the industry.