Ubisoft Executives don’t get NFT hate, allow me to explain
Although the decentralized future may look strangely centralized, it’s not a concept that you would understand. A new Find interview with Nicolas Pouard, Ubisoft’s strategic innovation lab VP, and Didier Genevois, Ubisoft’s blockchain technical director, suggests that gamers don’t understand how NFTs can be beneficial to them. This is a strange defense. Ubisoft’s executive team seems to expect anyone unhappy with their idea, to finally accept that they are wrong.
Although the exchange itself is bizarre, it is based on Ubisoft’s recent launches of Quartz and Digits. The platform is Quartz, while Digits are the NFTs. These are serialized limited editions, serialized and have a history of the Digits’ owners. While NFTs do not have to be used in-game, Ubisoft currently uses them in its Quartz store. Pouard explains to Finder how the “opportunity” to resell digital goods is what makes it attractive.
The “don’t get!” line isn’t just one-off. It is a common theme throughout the entire Finder interview. Ubisoft seems to believe that everyone is misinformed. NFTs are my good. It’s my chance “own” something. All of my time spent playing can be commodified. It can be turned into money. It’s possible that it’s not because I don’t get it, but Ubisoft is responsible for the lack of “getting” it. Sure, it sounds great in a bunch of buzzwords, big promises. But I can explain to Ubisoft why it is so bad.
Many of these systems are already in existence, with the exception of blockchain technology implementation and other environmental hazards. Counter-Strike is a game where I am not convinced I “own” a digital product. However, people make big promises that they own something. It’s a hope I don’t get. The contract is not a fancy receipt. It points to something that I can use and I feel enchanted by the possibility of “owning” a real stake in Ubisoft products. I get a contract saying I can use the hat. I can also sell the contract for money and then lose that hat. I get Tezos in return. One Tezos currently is worth just over three dollars. While some Ghost Recon guns can be listed for a few dollars, other assets can be listed for thousands. These items don’t move right now, but it is easy to see how this all catching on can get ugly.
Ubisoft gets a cut on NFT resells. They’re hoping that this will make them more than traditional cash shops. You may also get a cut depending on which marketplace you resell in. In interviews, the word “own” is often used. The only thing that gets misunderstood in this larger conversation is its meaning. You have a receipt. It is called “true ownership” in the interview. However, the entire thing says that you don’t actually own the actual pair of wolf pants you bought at the Quartz store. If Ubisoft doesn’t like the way you use your Digit, they can come after you.
This tech is another way Ubisoft can create artificial scarcity for in-game socks. However, it is presented as a deal to you for when you are looking for more sophisticated ways to monetize your play. Tos also exempts you from any liability for anything that goes wrong with your chosen crypto wallet. Ubisoft enjoys all the benefits of an in-game marketplace, but you are not liable if that token loses value.
