With the release of Quartz, you’ll be able to purchase NFTs—mainly collectibles and cosmetic items—for AAA games. Sure, you already could buy these things without getting a blockchain involved, but that’s hardly the trendiest way to acquire a digital hat. Also, NFTs come with some interesting features attached. Let’s discuss Ubisoft’s Quartz in more detail.
How Ubisoft Quartz Works
Ubisoft is launching a beta version of Quartz, which will initially provide Digits for the PC version of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint on Ubisoft Connect. The company will offer a limited number of NFTs, which you can later sell to other players if you wish.
Each NFT is unique, includes an identifying serial number, and maintains a record of previous owners. A certificate of ownership remains on a decentralized blockchain, ultimately removing a large amount of control over your items from Ubisoft itself. Digits won’t tie to specific accounts, and you’ll be able to sell your collectibles on third-party platforms.
Ubisoft also aims to make its NFTs energy-efficient by utilizing Tezos, a blockchain that consumes less power than those used by many other crypto currencies. The move should satisfy at least some opponents of blockchain technology, which demands a large amount of energy to function, as NFTs are notoriously bad for the environment.
When Will Ubisoft Quartz Launch?
Ubisoft Quartz launches in most regions on December 9 at 6pm UTC. The company will also drop some free Digits to early adopters on December 9, 12, and 15 and plans future freebies in early 2022.
Initially, you’ll need to play Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint and reach experience level five in-game to use Quartz. Also, only players 18 years and older are eligible to access the new platform.
NFTs Aren’t Going Away
NFTs seem destined to hang around for a while, and Ubisoft’s venture into this strange new universe will undoubtedly spur other AAA game companies to join in on the trend.
At this stage, Quartz is still experimental, and reactions over the coming weeks will show how workable and popular the model will be. Some NFTs already sell for exorbitant prices, so seeing where in-game collectibles stand in the market will be interesting.
