The gaming giant continues expanding across the blockchain space, this time as a Cronos blockchain validator.
Ubisoft Joins Cronos Network as a Validator
Ubisoft, the creator of popular gaming franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance, has announced its support for the Cronos network. The company will operate a node on the open-source network, which is interoperable with Ethereum and Cosmos. As a validator, Ubisoft will produce or confirm new blocks on the Cronos blockchain alongside 27 other validators, including Crypto.com and Blockdaemon. This move aims to promote a more decentralized network.
Ubisoft’s Continued Exploration in the Blockchain Gaming Space
Ubisoft has been actively involved in blockchain technology for several years. Despite facing backlash from gamers, the company remains committed to exploring the space. Recently, Ubisoft announced its next Web3 game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, a player-versus-player (PvP) tactical role-playing game (RPG) experience on PC. While no screenshots have been released yet, the game is expected to make use of blockchain technology.
Ubisoft and Cronos Labs Collaboration
Cronos Labs, the team behind the Cronos chain, expressed excitement about collaborating with Ubisoft. The developers aim to advance blockchain gaming and leverage Ubisoft’s expertise through their Strategic Innovation Lab. The terms of the alliance and any financial arrangements between Ubisoft and Cronos Labs were not immediately disclosed.
Ken Timsit, Managing Director of Cronos Labs, stated, “We look forward to leveraging their enthusiasm for blockchain technology and being challenged by their team as we progress on the technical and ecosystem roadmap of the Cronos chain.” It is worth mentioning that Ubisoft had previously mentored startups participating in the Cronos Accelerator Program in 2022.
Ubisoft’s Expansion in the NFT Gaming Space
Ubisoft’s support for Cronos is part of its broader strategy to establish a presence in the NFT gaming space. The company has been involved in prototyping and launching its own blockchain games, supporting various networks and platforms, and making investments in related projects.
Earlier, Ubisoft introduced in-game NFT items on the Tezos blockchain for its PC game Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, making it the first major publisher to integrate NFTs into an existing title. However, this move received criticism from traditional gaming fans.
Ubisoft’s journey in the blockchain space began in 2018 with the development of a prototype called HashCraft, which was similar to Minecraft but was never released. The company subsequently engaged in NFT experiments with its Rabbids characters, participated in the Ethereum metaverse game The Sandbox, and supported blockchain ecosystems such as Tezos and Hedera as a validator. Additionally, Ubisoft has collaborated with notable NFT games like Axie Infinity and Sorare and has supported crypto and NFT startups through its Entrepreneurs Lab program.
Ubisoft’s foray into the blockchain gaming industry demonstrates its commitment to innovation and exploring new opportunities for its popular gaming franchises.
