Ubisoft NFT push confuses their own developers
Not even Ubisoft’s own team wants them to push for NFTs, but it’s happening anyway.
Just a week ago, Ubisoft revealed Quartz, a new NFT platform. Like many other NFT announcements, it hasn’t gone over well; their announcement video garnered 24k dislikes on YouTube before the dislike button was removed. And, just like their fans, their own developers expressed confusion about the push for Ubisoft NFTs.
What’s the deal, Ubisoft?
Ubisoft announced their new NFT platform Quartz on December 7. Various Ubisoft developers have expressed questions and concerns regarding the push for NFTs. MANA, Ubisoft’s internal social media hub, garnered many questions from their developers. Some developers expressed concerns with the company potential mandating NFTs into their games. Others were simply confused by the point of adding the blockchain technology in the first place.
“How can you look at private property, speculation, artificial scarcity, and egoism, then say ‘yes this is good, I want that, let’s put it in art?” one employee questioned on the hub. Another followed with similar sentiments, writing “I still don’t really understand the ‘problem’ being solved here.” A third expresses their distaste, writing “I normally try to stay positive on our announcements but this one is upsetting.” All in all, most developers don’t seem to be buying the push for blockchain technology.
Quartz, the Ubisoft NFT platform
Quartz has been in the works for approximately four years, but still seems to be in the early stages of incorporation. Based on Tezos, a cryptocurrency that derives value from proof-of-stake technology rather than a proof-of-work algorithm, Quartz seems to be at the center of much debate. Whether this form of cryptocurrency works better than others seems unclear on both sides.
No matter what others think, Nicolas Pouard believes in Ubisoft NFTs. Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab VP follows this up in a written statement:
“Yes, blockchain is a game changer, but only if used the right way and with players at its core will we collectively harness the true potential of this innovation.”
Ubisoft isn’t the only company trying to push for NFTs. Companies like Square Enix have already tested the waters, and Epic Games also welcomes games using blockchain technology. The continued insistence on incorporating NFTs into every single platform comes across as more than a little annoying. Seeing as Ubisoft’s already in hot water for their harassment and sexual misconduct alligations, what’s more fuel to the fire?
Via, Kotaku.