Ghost Recon Breakpoint is no longer receiving new updates, so the game is almost done. However, just in December, developer Ubisoft introduced NFTs to the game – unique digital items. You can find out how Ubisoft’s NFT system works and what happens to items now on MeinMMO.
Here is the situation:
NFT is the new trend in gaming, companies are worth billions of dollars – but why?
Breakpoint was the NFT pioneer for Ubisoft
The tactical shooter did not meet Ubisoft’s expectations from the start. The developers explained that the close release and the few changes made to the Wildlands predecessor were the main cause of the flop.
After 2.5 years, it’s over – the servers remain online, but there are no more updates. However, in December, NFTs were introduced to the game. They are unique digital items called “Digits” by Ubisoft.
The first items were free for Breakpoint players and can even be used in-game. The second wave of items were later sold by Ubisoft as microtransactions.
However, due to their connection to a blockchain, the items are now tradable.
Breakpoint was apparently seen by Ubisoft as a good way to test their Digits platform called “Quartz”. We explain what’s behind it (via quartz.ubisoft.com).
In-game items become tradable items
How do Breakpoint NFTs work? The articles are accessible by connecting the Ubisoft account to the Quartz platform. You even had to meet the game’s requirements for it.
For some, reaching level 5 in the game was enough. Specific pants required 100 hours of play, while a helmet required 600 hours of play.
The first wave of articles was free. Later items were then sold relatively expensive and often ended up on trading platforms for around €20 each.
Ubisoft plans to make the items available in other titles later. So far, however, there has been no announcement on how it will work.
Due to their NFT (Non-Fungible Token) structure, the objects are “unique”. There are only a limited number of items, and the NFT includes information such as current and previous owner, serial number, and Ubisoft names of players who created the NFT.
Ubisoft’s NFTs run on the “Tezos” blockchain – a “Proof of Stake” blockchain. Unlike the Ethereum or Bitcoin blockchain, there are fewer power-intensive operations to complete transactions.
After receiving the in-game items, it was possible to offer the digital goods through 2 selected trading platforms that work with “Tezos”.
So you can upgrade the received figure to a tradable NFT and if you want the items can be sold on both platforms.
Ubisoft says about NFTs: “They are really beneficial. But you don’t understand”
If the sales of NFT Ubisoft are rare, they often exceed 100€
How much do NFTs cost? As of this writing, one “Tezos” is worth €3.14 (via coinbase.com). Many of Ubisoft’s NFT offers are set to “Offer”. So you can make offers and the creator can decide if the offer is accepted.
Just recently, an NFT breakpoint was sold for 85 Tezos, or just over €260. The highest transaction on the Rarible platform was a sale for 120 Tezos, just over €370 (via rarible.com).
Many transactions are worth more than 100 euros, some are only done at the counter for 10 or 20 euros.
What happens to NFTs when the game disconnects? As the owner of the NFT, the token remains in the buyer’s possession even after the game ends. In the case of an NFT racing game, the developers offered to exchange the purchased NFTs for other values.
In the case of Ubisoft Quartz Digits, the developers also want to make unique items available in other games.
Harsh criticism of NFTs in games is unfair – they’re more than micro-transactions
Breakpoint NFTs continue to be sold even after the end
Why do NFTs still have value? Much of the creation of value is based on the value that buyers, users or collectors place on something.
Behind this there is some confidence that these things will not lose value and at best will even increase in value. money for example.
Behind the euro is the European Central Bank, which is supported by the countries participating in the euro. Banknotes, check balances, and even the largest coins – all symbols that convey value that they don’t physically have.
But you’re sure to get what you pay for, so it’s worth it.
With Ubisoft’s NFTs, the “Tezos” blockchain is available as a central bank and Ubisoft itself would be the trust-providing state in the background. As long as there is trust in the publisher, NFTs remain valuable.
It is possible that NFTs will still be used in games even 10 years from now – a practical value based on trust.
As these were Ubisoft’s first NFTs, there could also be collectible value – abstract value based on speculation.
In the end, there could also be a total loss of value. However, a trend cannot yet be identified with Ubisoft’s NFTs.
NFTs remain hugely controversial in gaming, and for good reason. The proximity to highly speculative cryptocurrencies makes it difficult to predict in which direction all of this will develop.
Breakpoint is a pilot project and if Ubisoft wants to continue to stick with its Quartz platform, it will closely monitor current developments and opinions.
We also want to know what you think of NFTs in games. Do you think things will still go up in value? Do you think such tradable items have no future in games? Please leave us a comment on the subject.