Gaming giants Ubisoft and SEGA have announced their entry into the world of Web3 gaming, investing heavily in blockchain technology. The companies are set to release original titles, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles and Battle of Three Kingdoms, respectively, built on the Oasys blockchain.
Ubisoft, known for its popular franchises Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, marks the first AAA studio to make a significant investment in Web3-based gaming. The company’s upcoming game, Grimoria, promises not only an immersive gameplay experience but also the integration of Web3 economics, allowing players to own and exchange in-game assets. This innovative approach could reignite interest in the NFT space, as Ubisoft brings its gaming expertise to the world of blockchain.
SEGA, a renowned Japanese game maker, has partnered with Double Jump Tokyo, a leading blockchain gaming expert, to develop the PC-based trading card game Battle of Three Kingdoms. By utilizing the Oasys blockchain, SEGA aims to bring its popular Web2 hit, Sangokushi Taisen, to the Web3 realm, further expanding the possibilities of blockchain gaming.
Oasys, launched in February 2022, is an EVM-compatible, proof-of-stake, zero-gas-fee blockchain. It has garnered attention due to its founding team, which includes executives from top gaming companies like Bandai Namco Research and PlayStation. The platform’s capabilities and infrastructure make it an ideal choice for Ubisoft and SEGA to build their innovative blockchain games.
Web3 gaming, with its decentralized nature and ownership of in-game assets, holds immense potential in the gaming industry. According to a recent survey conducted by Coda Labs, three out of four game developers anticipate working on Web3 game projects in the future. Developers recognize the advantages offered by Web3, such as increased funding, new revenue streams, and improved player retention. This aligns with Ubisoft and SEGA’s decision to venture into Web3 gaming, as they recognize the advantages it offers.
While early attempts at blockchain gaming focused primarily on the in-game blockchain economy, Ubisoft and SEGA’s entry into the space promises to prioritize engaging gameplay. This shift could revitalize the interest of gamers and potentially change the perception of Web3 gaming. With over three billion gamers worldwide, the gaming industry is already bigger than the music and film industries combined, making it a highly lucrative market for Web3 gaming.
The integration of blockchain technology in the gaming sector has seen significant financial backing, with venture funding across the Web3 space rising by $4.8 billion since 2021. Web3 gaming projects have attracted the majority of this funding, accounting for 62% of Web3 venture capital funding. This influx of investment demonstrates the confidence of venture funds in the future potential of Web3 gaming.
However, there are challenges to overcome, as the mass adoption of Web3 in the gaming sector still faces obstacles. A survey conducted last year revealed that only 3% of participants owned non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a crucial element of Web3 gaming. Furthermore, the majority of gamers are either unaware of Web3 gaming or not supportive of it. This disconnect highlights the need for greater awareness and education among gamers regarding the benefits and possibilities of Web3 gaming.
Ubisoft and SEGA’s foray into Web3 gaming with their titles on the Oasys blockchain represents a significant step forward for the industry. By combining their gaming expertise with blockchain technology, these companies aim to create compelling gameplay experiences while introducing players to the world of Web3. The rise in venture funding for Web3 gaming projects indicates growing confidence in the sector’s potential. However, there is still work to be done in terms of educating gamers and increasing their acceptance of Web3 gaming, paving the way for wider adoption in the future.