Ubisoft began the sale of its latest NFT collection. 2,066 Rabbids avatar NFTs will be launched in The Sandbox, as the French video gaming giant dives deeper into the Web3.
Each NFT will be priced at 100 SAND, equivalent to around $78 at the time of writing. The Rabbids avatars are themed around the Lunar New Year, as 2023 is the year of the rabbit.
The avatars will have different designs, which will be unveiled to buyers on Friday this week. The Sandbox will then launch a Rabbids game world on February 28, which will offer limited playable experiences.
The Rabbids avatars are described as a โkey to future utilityโ in The Sandbox, including access to potential future drops.
The Sandbox had previously added Rabbids characters to its NFT Institute last summer, as well as releasing NFTs and accessories for all things Rabbids. However, this is the first time that Rabbids avatars can be purchased for use in the game, so it sees a major step forward by the gaming giant.
Ubisoft โ A Legacy Giant at Forefront of Web3 Innovation
Ubisoft has been among the first major video game publishers to take notice of Web3 and has made several moves around NFTs.
In 2018, the French gaming giant developed a Minecraft-inspired NFT game prototype called HashCraft, but the project was eventually shelved.
It has also supported NFT game projects such as Axie Infinity and Nine Chronicles and invested in metaverse investment firm Animoca Brands and game maker Horizon.
Ubisoft had launched Tezos-based NFTs for the PC version of Ghost Recon Breakpoint, which tied the assets into an existing, traditional video game that did not have NFT functionality at launch. The โQuartzโ NFTs enabled users to collect and trade unique weapons and gear for the squad-based shooter.
However, the launch had proved controversial among its gamers, who were opposed to NFTs due to scams in the crypto space, expensive prices, and what some gamers saw as another way for Ubisoft to entice players to spend money.
This feedback out a temporary end to this gaming experience, but the company said it would use the Quartz platform for future games.
Ubisoft Leading the Way
Ubisoft has increased its commitment to Web3 innovation, despite some negative feedback from gamers when they first ventured into this space. The company is now pushing ahead with plans to offer more advanced Web3 and NFT products.
While it remains unclear what the Rabbids avatar NFTs will offer, the prospect of in-game NFTs is intriguing. Although some of Ubisoft’s long-time gamers may be hesitant about the move to Web3 and NFTs, as they fear it may just be a ploy to increase spending, the introduction of useful utilities can benefit both the producers and gamers alike.
Overall, it seems that Ubisoft’s foray into Web3 and NFTs is a promising development for the company and the gaming industry as a whole.
