Ubisoft has launched a new web3 game called Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles on PC. This game is a PVP tactical RPG that involves collectible figurines of various warriors from the in-game fantasy world of Grimoria. Players assemble squads of three and battle in turn-based combat. The game utilizes blockchain technology as a method of collecting figurines to battle with. Players can obtain figurines by purchasing NFTs from other players using in-game gold or cryptocurrency, or by crafting their own using the “Forge” system which also requires in-game currency or crypto. Champions Tactics is free to download but requires a Ubisoft account and a supported blockchain wallet to play. While players can technically play the game entirely for free without engaging with NFTs using in-game currency, the viability of this strategy depends on how the prices for powerful characters fluctuate over time. As a PvP game with no campaign and limited PvE content, free-to-play players may face challenges when competing against those who engage with the NFT marketplace and spend real money to acquire the best champions. One notable limitation of playing Champions Tactics is its age rating. Ubisoft lists the game as Adults Only and restricts players under 18 from participating. However, it was discovered that Ubisoft did not submit the game for a rating by the ESRB, and the Adults Only rating icon included in the original launch trailer was deemed an error. Despite Ubisoft’s efforts to integrate blockchain technology into its games, it seems odd that the company is fully embracing web3 at a time when enthusiasm for NFTs and blockchain in gaming has significantly decreased. Other companies have rejected or backpedaled on their initial enthusiasm for NFTs and blockchain, and concerns about potential scams and environmental impact remain unresolved. Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab and Oasys partnered to ensure that blockchain use in Champions Tactics was aimed at delivering innovative gaming experiences and bringing more value to players based on empowerment and ownership. The game offers deep strategic gameplay with unique in-game assets and features a marketplace where players can trade assets on a peer-to-peer basis. Ubisoft has faced challenges in recent years, including game delays, layoffs, underperforming game releases, and investor frustration. Despite these challenges, Ubisoft continues to pursue a web3 strategy, and Champions Tactics reflects the company’s commitment to exploring new ways to play and delivering innovative gaming experiences. In summary, Ubisoft has released Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, a web3 game that utilizes blockchain technology for collecting and trading in-game figurines. The game is free to download but requires a Ubisoft account and a supported blockchain wallet to play. While Ubisoft is continuing to push forward with its web3 strategy, concerns about the environmental impact of NFTs and the overall appeal of blockchain technology in gaming persist.