In a bold step towards embracing blockchain technology, Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game developers, has announced the launch of its first Web3 game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles. The game, which will be available on October 23, 2024, will run on the Oasys Layer-2 HOME Verse, marking Ubisoft’s debut in the blockchain gaming space.
This move comes nearly a year after Champions Tactics was first introduced at IVS Kyoto in 2023. Now, with the backing of Oasys and the Web3 technology solutions company double jump.tokyo, Ubisoft is making its highly anticipated entrance into Web3 gaming with a unique tactical RPG experience.
A Web3 Gaming Milestone
Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles is set in a dark, mystical world where players assemble a team of Champions to engage in player-versus-player (PvP) battles. The game combines a tactical RPG format with Web3 elements, delivering an immersive gameplay experience enhanced by blockchain technology. Players will explore the grim world of Grimoria, where their strategic skills will be tested as they summon mythical Champions to battle and rise through the ranks.
Nicolas Pouard, VP of the Ubisoft Lab, said, “At Ubisoft Strategic Innovation Lab, our goal is to be pathfinders in delivering innovative player experiences. With Champions Tactics, we aim for Web3 technology to seamlessly fade into the background, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the fun and strategy of the game. Our focus is on enhancing gameplay by unlocking new possibilities, and with the champion creation forge, we’re recreating the joy of playing with real toys and miniatures, bringing that hands-on excitement into the digital realm.”
The Power of Champions and Forge System
Central to the game’s narrative are the 75,000 unique Champions—digital collectibles that players can use to build their ultimate battle teams. Each Champion is imbued with distinct traits and abilities, giving players the opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and optimize their roster for PvP showdowns.
One of the game’s standout features is the Forge, which allows players to craft new Champions by blending the traits and abilities of their existing collection. This system creates limitless possibilities for strategy, as players can refine their teams and unlock new abilities to gain a competitive edge in the intense leaderboard-driven gameplay.
The minting of these digital collectibles has already seen tremendous success, with Ubisoft’s first 10,000 PFP collection, The Warlords, becoming one of the most hyped releases of Q3, 2023. The minting of the 75,000 Champions in July 2024 shattered records, as the growing excitement for Champions Tactics drew over 100,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and 50,000 Discord members. Thousands of players participated in closed alpha and beta tests, providing valuable feedback to help fine-tune the game.
Bridging Traditional Gaming with Web3
Ubisoft’s latest venture is significant, as it combines traditional gaming expertise with Web3 innovation. “With Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, we’re bringing a true gaming experience to Web3. This isn’t GameFi—it’s about pure, immersive gameplay that draws players in, while giving them the freedom to own their assets and shape the game’s future. With a seasoned team that has worked on beloved Ubisoft franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Heroes of Might & Magic, Rayman, Mighty Quest or Far Cry, we’re using our expertise to craft something entirely new for all players, not just Web3 enthusiasts.” said Sylvain Loe-Mie, executive producer for the game.
The introduction of blockchain technology doesn’t overshadow the core gameplay but enhances it. Players can own and trade their Champions as digital assets, bringing a sense of true ownership and investment in the game’s ecosystem. At the same time, Ubisoft has taken great care to ensure that the Web3 elements remain subtle, allowing the game’s engaging mechanics and rich world-building to take center stage.
Collaboration with Oasys and double jump.tokyo
The deployment of Champions Tactics on the Oasys Layer-2 HOME Verse is crucial to ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Oasys, a game-optimized blockchain, is designed to provide a secure, scalable, and efficient infrastructure for blockchain games. Its Layer-2 solution, HOME Verse, uses Ethereum’s scaling technology to deliver fast, low-cost transactions, eliminating the friction often associated with blockchain gaming.
Oasys representative director, Ryo Matsubara said: “We’re delighted that Ubisoft has chosen to launch their first web3 game on HOME Verse, the Oasys L2 whose architecture has been engineered to support a seamless playing experience. Demand for the Warlords and Champions mints earlier this year attests to the level of interest in Champions Tactics. The official release of Grimoria Chronicles will raise the bar for web3 gaming while demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Ubisoft brand.”
With Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, Ubisoft continues its tradition of creating unforgettable gaming experiences while venturing into uncharted territory with Web3 integration. The company has built a legacy with blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, and now it is leveraging blockchain technology to unlock new possibilities for players.
Ubisoft’s embrace of Web3 reflects a broader industry shift towards decentralization, where players have more control over their in-game assets. By allowing users to own, trade, and interact with digital assets, Ubisoft is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in gaming that transcends the traditional boundaries of game development.
Oasys, the blockchain partner for this project, is a Layer-1 and Layer-2 gaming blockchain that specializes in providing a robust infrastructure for game developers. With industry giants like SEGA, Ubisoft, and Yield Guild Games serving as validators, Oasys is revolutionizing how blockchain games are built and played. By offering zero gas fees and fast transactions, Oasys ensures that players can focus on gameplay without worrying about the complexities of blockchain.
double jump.tokyo, a leading Japanese Web3 game development company, is also instrumental in bringing Champions Tactics to life. With a proven track record in blockchain game development, including hits like My Crypto Heroes, double jump.tokyo is at the forefront of the Web3 revolution, enabling seamless integration of blockchain technology into gaming.
As Ubisoft prepares to launch Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles on October 23, the gaming world is poised to witness a significant milestone in the evolution of Web3 gaming. With a rich narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and the seamless integration of blockchain technology, Champions Tactics promises to captivate traditional gamers and Web3 enthusiasts alike. Ubisoft’s entry into this space signals a bright future for decentralized gaming, where the possibilities for ownership, creativity, and community engagement are boundless.
