On December 19, Ubisoft released "Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E.". It combines a top-down shooter for 5 to 8 players with the creation and collection of NFTs. What's behind the game and why did its release go almost unnoticed?
You’ve probably heard little about Ubisoft’s new NFT game, Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E. - and you’re not alone.
Released quietly on December 19, the top-down shooter integrates NFT mechanics, allowing players to collect, create, and upgrade unique digital assets.
But with the NFT hype seemingly long dead, the question is: Why now?
A Familiar Story
Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E. loosely draws from the story of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, also adapted into a Netflix series in 2023.
The show received largely positive feedback for its over-the-top 1980s aesthetic and satirical storytelling.
In this dystopian world, Rayman is reimagined as an authoritarian bureaucrat, a far cry from his cheerful platforming origins, adding an ironic twist to the dark narrative.
Elegant Rayman (Concept design) #CaptainLaserhawk pic.twitter.com/3HQEPTVcdf
— JacoOPEN COMMISSIONS (@Jacocoon_) November 18, 2023
After the show’s success, rumors emerged that Ubisoft was working on a multiplayer “Laser Deathmatch” game featuring microtransactions, dubbed Captain Laserhawk: Niji Warrior.
Ubisoft neither confirmed nor denied the speculations.
Now, just over a year later, the project has emerged quietly under a slightly revised title, with no marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, or major announcements.
My latest for GameFile is also the lead story on Polygon at the moment... Ubisoft quietly released a new PC game into early access this week, with nary a tweet, instagram post or article on the company blog. Can you guess why? To play Captain Laserhawk, I needed an NFT pic.twitter.com/XIdPRvjMDX
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) December 19, 2024
Since its release, the game has struggled to attract a significant audience.
Journalist Stephen Totilo remarked that after just a few matches, he ranked among the top 100 players, an indicator of the sparse player base.
What Are NFT Games, and Why Now?
Most gamers are relieved that the NFT craze of 2021 has passed.
Back then, headlines were dominated by stories of celebrities like Justin Bieber losing millions on Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, influencers hosting dubious NFT giveaways, and everyday people being burned by inflated promises of digital ownership.
The era left a legacy of skepticism and mockery.
So why is Ubisoft doubling down on NFTs in late 2024? And how do NFTs even work in gaming?
In Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., NFTs are used to buy, trade, and customize in-game assets such as Niji Warrior ID cards.
These assets are stored on the blockchain, ensuring verifiable ownership and rarity.
Sold out but that was just the first step of our adventure. Hold on to your IDs-they'll unlock countless opportunities.What's next?The reveal starts December 16th on https://t.co/6sI0TySw5v pic.twitter.com/gzTTd9aNe3
— Captain Laserhawk Universe (@EdenOnline_exe) December 12, 2024
Criticism and Controversy
While this creates a speculative marketplace within the game, it raises ethical concerns about turning gameplay into a financial gamble.
The quiet release suggests Ubisoft is wary of backlash against NFTs in gaming.
Critics argue the game prioritizes monetization over gameplay, using NFTs as a superficial gimmick.
What do you think of the NFT integration in Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E.? Let us know in the comments!