Ubisoft is currently navigating a challenging period marked by unexpected game cancellations, workforce reductions, and ongoing discussions regarding buyouts. In an effort to restore some goodwill among its fanbase, the company is revisiting the beloved universe of Far Cry 3, particularly the neon-drenched spin-off Blood Dragon. This nostalgic IP, along with the Netflix series Captain Laserhawk, has sparked renewed interest, prompting Ubisoft to explore new avenues for engagement.
Introducing Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E.
Enter Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., a top-down shooter that immerses players in the vibrant world of Blood Dragon. This game features none other than Rayman as a commentator, adding a whimsical touch to the experience. However, there’s a twist: to participate, players must purchase an NFT, represented by a unique ‘Niji Warrior’ card. This card evolves as players progress, potentially increasing its value for future transactions within the community.
The official website and social media presence for the game, notably absent from Ubisoft’s primary channels, touts familiar NFT promises. Players are enticed with phrases like “A world you can shape and transform,” “the chance to earn exclusive rewards of great value,” and “the entire community will have the opportunity to influence the plot and participate in key decision-making moments.”
Yet, the question remains: what does the gameplay entail? Ubisoft appears to be adopting a strategy reminiscent of free-to-play mobile MMOs, keeping actual gameplay details under wraps. Both the homepage trailer and the dedicated ‘The G.A.M.E’ page lack any substantial in-game footage. A solitary screenshot reveals a basic scene of avatars engaging in combat within a nondescript grey arena, raising eyebrows about the visual quality often associated with NFT games.
Ubisoft’s initial ventures into the NFT space were met with significant backlash from fans and labor unions back in 2021. Despite this, the company has persisted, forging a partnership with blockchain gaming platform Immutable last year. It seems Ubisoft has taken heed of the criticism, as evidenced by its decision to keep NFT-related content separate from its main branding channels, signaling a degree of self-awareness in its ongoing exploration of this controversial technology.
