French mega-developer Ubisoft has put a lot on the line in its attempt to capitalise on the NFT market. However, as both gamers and game developers prove that they don't want anything to do with the cryptoart tech, the company is looking into new ways to make their efforts pay off.
In an utterly confusing move to make the Ubisoft Quartz NFT line appear more successful, the company has decided to give some of its cryptoart away. However, these assets have not been given to fans, but instead to employees.
Ubisoft employees given Ghost Recon NFTs
Via Kotaku, the French developer recently held a workshop session to address employee concerns of the company's NFT plans. However, while employees were airing their grievances, executives responded by handing out NFTs to everyone.
Every employee was given an NFT of a hat for Ubisoft’s own video game, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. The company sent employees an announcement that allowed them to collect their NFT for the game. It reads:
“With the opening of the Ubisoft Quartz platform in December, we thought of creating an exclusive Digit for you, the ‘Ghost Recon 20th anniversary cap! If you want to receive this exclusive Digit, we will inject it into your crypto-wallet on the 9th of March.”
An employee talking to Kotaku explained that staff were explaining “We hate this crypto stuff.” In response, the company said, “Okay, come get some.” As per usual, the company is doing the exact opposite of what employees and fans want.
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Gamers just don't get it?
In response to Ubisoft’s NFT peddling, gamers have been understandably miffed about the whole ordeal. However, as fans of the company and gaming in general fight against NFTs’ inclusion, the developer is standing its ground.
Via Gfinity eSports, Ubisoft’s Head of Innovation, Nicolas Pouard claimed that gamers just “don’t get it for now”. A bold thing to say about your multi-billion dollar company's entire userbase. Additionally, Pouard claimed that NFTs are actually “really beneficial” for gamers, allowing them to “resell their items”, a concept that existed in gaming for decades.
While the developer’s rivals back away from their crypto plans, the French company is still looking to grab at least a little more dosh out of the business venture. Even if it risks its already tenuous reputation with gamers.