- Video game heavyweight Ubisoft has joined the Cronos blockchain where it will run a validator node
- Cronos blockchain creator Cronos Labs disclosed that Ubisoft will also collaborate with the network’s developers on web3 gaming
- The move comes two months after Ubisoft partnered with Reddit to offer free Rabbid avatars
Video game heavyweight Ubisoft has joined the Cronos blockchain where it will run a validator node alongside collaborating with the network’s developers on areas like web3 gaming. This is part of Ubisoft’s increasing interaction with the blockchain world which includes partnering with Reddit to offer free Rabbid avatars. Ubisoft will be joining 27 other validators on the network with Cronos Labs noting that the addition will boost the blockchain’s stability and decentralization.
Ubisoft has Governance Powers
According to Cronos Labs, the collaboration will see Cronos tap into the game developer’s innovation lab to help drive web3 gaming use cases on the platform while also expanding the blockchain’s technical roadmap.
Ubisoft, a leading creator and video games publisher, joins the Cronos ecosystem as network validator.
Cronos will greatly benefit from the expertise of Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab, and its feedback on tech upgrades to support gaming use cases.https://t.co/LRrnPeWQdQ— Cronos (@cronos_chain) July 18, 2023
Cronos Labs added that Ubisoft aligns with the network’s mission to only partner with contributors with “a strong technical track record.” Apart from validating transactions on the blockchain, Ubisoft will also contribute to the governance of the network.
Traditional Brands Ditch NFTs Due to Backlash
Ubisoft’s entry into the blockchain space, however, hasn’t always been a rosy walk. In 2021, for example, it faced backlash from conventional gamers who wanted the game developer to rethink its decision to embrace in-game digital collectibles. At the time, Ubisoft said that they were committed to introducing in-game NFTs but admitted that they present a “major change” for gamers.
The video game giant isn’t the only popular brand to court criticism for interacting with NFT. Others like car maker Porsche have been forced to ditch an entire NFT collection a few days after launch due to community backlash, while others are opting to silently launch NFTs to avoid criticism.
With Ubisoft joining Cronos, it’s to be seen whether the collaboration will help boost the blockchain’s appeal among web3 game developers.
