Ubisoft’s NFT Plans Draw Backlash from Gamers

Ubisoft wants to become a key player in NFTs by integrating the technology into its gaming titles, but backlash from consumers may thwart the company’s goals.

Earlier this month, the French video game studio launched Quartz, a platform that allows players to acquire playable NFTs. The platform has failed to garner acceptance from gamers.

The heart of the argument is that blockchain-based assets add unnecessary microtransactions that hamper the gaming experience by pushing players to spend to improve.

Ubisoft isn’t the only video game company in this position.

• Earlier this month, Ukrainian developer GSC Game World canceled everything NFT-related in its “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl” title.
• GSC Game World cited negative feedback from players regarding NFTs, despite plans to use the revenue they generate to aid in development.

The Good and Bad

Ubisoft posted net bookings of $444 million in fiscal Q2 2022, a 13.8% increase year-over-year. The results were driven by “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,” which is already the second-largest profit generating game in Ubisoft’s history since being released in November 2020.

However, Ubisoft has been hit with a wave of resignations over the past 18 months due to low wages, the company’s handling of a workplace misconduct scandal in 2020, and frustration with its creative direction.