Ubisoft Encases Assassin's Creed into Phygital NFTs

Ubisoft, the renowned game developer behind the popular franchise Assassin's Creed, has recently unveiled an exciting new addition to the world of collectibles. They have introduced a unique collection of physical 3D-printed cubes, each associated with a non-fungible token (NFT). This collaboration between Ubisoft and Reality Labs allows players to own limited edition NFTs inspired by the beloved game. The NFT collection will be hosted on the Polygon blockchain, marking Ubisoft's entry into the Web3 space. Let's delve into the details of the Assassin's Creed NFTs.

What are the Assassin's Creed Smart Collectibles

Collectors now have the opportunity to acquire "Assassin's Creed Smart Collectibles," physical items that feature game characters encased within transparent cubes. However, these collectibles offer more than meets the eye. They possess "digital souls" and are accompanied by matching NFTs.

With cutting-edge technology developed by Reality Labs, NFT owners can personalize their collectibles by choosing weapons, outfits, and stances. Once they have perfected the desired look, they can order a beautifully displayed 3D-printed version of their NFTs inside a clear cube.

What makes Assassin's Creed NFTs unique is that the cubes housing the NFTs incorporate NFC chips. This enables owners to tap their smartphones on the cube and witness a digital version of their character through a companion app. This immersive experience offers additional features and utilities related to the Assassin's Creed universe. Moreover, the NFTs will have varying rarity levels, granting holders of higher-tier NFTs a wider range of customization options. Additionally, fortunate minters of rare NFTs will have the opportunity to sell their Assassin's Creed NFTs on secondary markets like OpenSea.

How to get one

To acquire the physical pieces, one must first purchase a Digital Soul NFT on a Web3 marketplace using a wallet. The NFTs are available in two different rarity levels. Once in possession of the NFT, owners can customize their token by selecting an outfit, weapon, and pose. It's all about self-expression and showcasing a unique character. The collection is limited to only 1,500 tokens, so act quick as it is expected to sell out rapidly.

But the excitement doesn't end there. If lucky enough to obtain a Digital Soul NFT on launch day, players can utilize the game's "Customizer" feature to further customize their NFT to their heart's content. The digital collectible can be edited on a 3D page within the Customizer. Owners can then order a physical 3D-printed Smart Collectible version. Simply provide shipping information, place the order, and you're done.

To enhance the interactive experience and offer a rewarding collector's journey, an app has been developed for interacting with the characters. This app allows owners of physical collectibles to earn utilities such as "items, recipes, and loot boxes" upon completing achievements. Additionally, as owners of these unique limited-edition Digital Soul NFTs, they gain access to exclusive perks like pass-only discounts and early access to future drops.

Rest of the industry slow to get on board

While Ubisoft faced criticism for its previous blockchain experiment called Quartz within Ghost Recon Breakpoint, it seems they have not given up on the potential of NFTs. While not as heavily invested as Square Enix, Ubisoft's decision to encase their popular game characters into a blockchain collectible is certainly a bold choice. 

Game studios are exercising caution when it comes to embracing NFTs, including Ubisoft. While Ubisoft has ventured into the NFT space with its Assassin's Creed collection, many other studios remain hesitant due to the potential backlash and consequences associated with this emerging technology. The idea of transferring ownership of in-game assets to players and disrupting the traditional closed system model raises concerns within the gaming community. Despite these reservations, other major players in the industry, like Square Enix, are also exploring the integration of NFTs into their games. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how different studios strike a balance between utilizing NFTs for innovation and addressing the concerns of their player base.