Ubisoft calls its NFTs “Digits,” and refers to its overall ecosystem as “Quartz.”
Many game developers and publishers have already expressed interest in integrating NFTs and blockchain technology within their products. Ubisoft is one of them, with the public knowing about its plans since November.
On Tuesday, the company officially announced the launch of “Quartz,” which will allow individuals to collect NFTs. They refer to them as “Digits,” and they are first available on Ghost Recon Breakpoint.
The video game company characterises the release as a “large-scale experiment,” according to BBC. Moreover, it is reportedly a culmination of the company’s “four-year exploration of blockchain technology.”
Ubisoft to introduce Digits through Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Digits will be the first NFTs “playable in an AAA game,” as Ubisoft stated. The first batch will hit Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint with “limited editions” on Thursday.
The introduction will only apply to the game’s Windows PC iterations via the Ubisoft Connect platform. Players may manage the acquisition of the NFTs or Digits using the Quartz platform.
Reports noted that Digits can be paid for with cryptocurrency. However, it will only be applicable to the launch countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belgium.
The company will also reward the “early adopters” of the in-game NFTs. As stated, the free Digits will drop on December 9, December 12, and December 15.
How Digits and Quartz work
In almost all game settings, in-game cosmetics, like “skins,” are identical for every player who gets them. This is where Ubisoft enters with its NFTs, as Digits act as unique serial numbers on the digital items.
In its official statement, the publisher explained that Digits are “playable cosmetic items,” which will allow players to personalise their respective gaming experiences. Through these NFTs, the in-game items are “no longer bound to a player’s game inventory,” considering that owners may put them on sale for others to acquire.
Other players will also be able to see the unique serial number or Digit in-game. It will also keep track of the item’s current and previous owners for years to come, “making players an integral part” of the title’s history.
Meanwhile, Quartz will allow the players to collect the Digits. It is also the platform where the acquisition management of these NFTs can be done.
Claims on addressing environmental impact
Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs have, indeed, dominated various industries in the last few months. But, despite the apparent rise in popularity and application, critics counter that they have negative impacts on the environment.
In Tuesday’s announcement for Quartz and Digits, though, Ubisoft claims that it has addressed the associated environmental issues with blockchain technology. It even deems its NFTs “energy-efficient,” and its overall venture “environmentally sustainable.”
Images courtesy of Ubisoft North America/YouTube