Ubisoft and Arbitrum to launch Web3 shooter 'Captain Laserhawk' on Dec

French gaming giant Ubisoft, in collaboration with the Arbitrum Foundation, has announced the launch of Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., a Web3-enabled top-down shooter, set for Dec. 18.
Based on the Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix series on Netflix, the game features characters from Ubisoft’s iconic franchises like Far Cry: Blood Dragon, Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Splinter Cell.
Blending classic gameplay with blockchain technology, the title incorporates competitive leaderboards and Web3 mechanics. A free NFT mint via Magic Eden began on Dec. 11, granting players digital assets packed with utilities, including governance votes and exclusive collectibles inspired by Ubisoft’s legendary characters.
A milestone in web3 game development
The game is built on the Ethereum layer-2 Arbitrum network, marking a major step forward for Web3 gaming. Nina Rong, head of partnerships at Arbitrum Foundation, described the launch as a "cornerstone moment" for evolving player experiences. Unlike traditional games where players follow pre-set narratives, blockchain technology in Captain Laserhawk allows gamers greater participation in the game’s ecosystem, including governance and asset ownership.
Web3 gaming is on the rise, with NFT sales showing steady growth since October 2024. The first week of December alone recorded $187 million in NFT sales volume, signaling sustained interest in blockchain-based entertainment. Ubisoft’s foray into blockchain gaming joins broader initiatives like the Beam Foundation’s $150 million fund to promote Web3 gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Despite challenges following the 2021 NFT market crash, the Web3 gaming sector is regaining momentum. The launch of Captain Laserhawk highlights the potential for blockchain to transform gaming, combining storytelling with decentralized ownership and utility.
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