Ubisoft joins XPLA network as blockchain validator

Ubisoft, the company behind global video game hits such as Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance, has officially partnered with the XPLA network, assuming the role of a node validator. 

The collaboration was announced on XPLA’s Medium page. It is intended to cement Ubisoft’s forward-looking stance on blockchain technology via its Strategic Innovation Lab and mark a leap toward intertwining the gaming and blockchain spaces.

XPLA to benefit from Ubisoft partnership

According to the announcement, by joining the XPLA ecosystem, Ubisoft will leverage its extensive expertise in game development to ensure the network’s transactions and data are secure and efficiently validated.

This partnership could enrich the XPLA ecosystem, which is known for its dedication to becoming a leading content hub focusing on digital media and gaming. 

The network, powered by the Tendermint blockchain engine and its Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus, is home to popular crypto games, including Summoners War and The Walking Dead. 

With Ubisoft stepping into the validation scene, the network should benefit from enhanced performance, security, and a boost in transparency, thanks to the collaboration with other notable validators and developers such as Animoca Brands, Google Cloud, and Com2uS.

Per the announcement, Ubisoft will contribute beyond its immediate role to governance proposal decisions, embodying a more profound commitment to the network’s future. 

Paul Kim, the XPLA team lead, expressed excitement over Ubisoft’s inclusion, envisioning a future where the collaboration drives the creation of a more transparent, trustworthy web3 ecosystem that appeals to players universally.

Together, we will cooperate to create a more transparent and trustworthy Web3 ecosystem, striving to provide an attractive gaming experience to players worldwide.

Paul Kim, XPLA team lead

A history of blockchain involvement

Ubisoft’s blockchain journey began back in 2018 with the exploration of blockchain games and non-fungible tokens (NFT), marked by a series of strategic investments and partnerships in that space. 

October 2023 saw Ubisoft expand its blockchain endeavors by joining the Cronos network as a validator. This involvement not only broadened the decentralization of the network but also underscored Ubisoft’s commitment to exploring NFT gaming further.

The company has played a pioneering role in integrating NFTs within major video game titles, including the introduction of NFT in-game items in “Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.”

In November 2023, it also partnered with Immutable, setting the stage for innovative products that redefine gaming experiences. The partnership was built around the promises to bring “digital ownership” into the hands of players, hinting at Ubisoft’s continued exploration of NFTs. 

Ubisoft is also actively running validators on networks like Tezos and Hedera, showcasing its ambition to lead in the convergence of gaming and blockchain technology.