# Ubisoft’s Subdued Venture: Captain Laserhawk: The Game and Its Exploration of Web3 Gaming
When Ubisoft unveils a game, it typically generates a flurry of promotional activity and excitement among the community. The company has established a reputation through major franchises such as *Assassin’s Creed*, *Rayman*, and *Far Cry*, making any new release generally significant. However, the recent launch of *Captain Laserhawk: The Game* has been notably understated, leaving many fans puzzled. Why would a gaming powerhouse like Ubisoft seemingly downplay a new title’s debut? The answer stems from the game’s experimental aspects and its contentious incorporation of Web3 technologies.
## A Spin-Off of a Spin-Off: The Roots of Captain Laserhawk
*Captain Laserhawk: The Game* is connected to the Netflix animated show *Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix*, which itself is derived from Ubisoft’s cult-favorite *Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon*. The series pays vibrant, retro-futuristic tribute to ‘80s action films and video games, showcasing a variety of characters from multiple Ubisoft franchises. For instance, Rayman, the cherished platforming figure, takes on the role of a dystopian news host in the series.
The game, on the other hand, adopts a different stance. Rather than following the convention of a standard AAA title, *Captain Laserhawk: The Game* presents itself as a top-down shooter with a forward-looking design. Although it might appear to be a logical extension of the Netflix series, the game’s understated launch and lack of refinement imply that Ubisoft regards it more as an experimental endeavor than as a primary product.
## A Crypto Shooter Featuring NFTs: The Web3 Venture
One of the most notable features of *Captain Laserhawk: The Game* is its incorporation of Web3 technologies, including blockchain and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). This isn’t Ubisoft’s first exploration into the realm of crypto gaming. In 2021, the company launched *Ubisoft Quartz*, a platform for playable NFTs, which faced significant backlash. More recently, Ubisoft introduced *Champions Tactics*, another blockchain-centered game that also went largely unnoticed.
In *Captain Laserhawk: The Game*, players require an NFT “virtual ID card” to participate. These NFTs were initially distributed for free, but they are currently available for sale on a marketplace for approximately $26. The game also includes a battle pass system that enables players to earn virtual rewards convertible into NFTs. Limited quantities of skins and other items create a marketplace for scarce digital assets.
The emphasis on NFTs and blockchain technology has provoked criticism from both gamers and industry analysts. Many view it as a diversion from the core gameplay experience, which, based on early impressions, is relatively straightforward. Games journalist Stephen Totilo characterized the game as a simplistic top-down shooter with a neon aesthetic, remarking that its gameplay seems secondary to its Web3 framework.
## Community Engagement? Not Quite Yet
A key selling point of the game is its touted promise of community-driven storytelling. According to Ubisoft’s official website, players would have a chance to influence the narrative of *Captain Laserhawk: The Game*. Nevertheless, there is currently scant evidence of this feature being realized. Instead, the game appears to place more emphasis on its blockchain components than on innovative gameplay or narrative elements.
## Rayman’s Part: A Nostalgic Appearance
For dedicated Ubisoft enthusiasts, one of the more captivating elements of *Captain Laserhawk: The Game* is Rayman’s inclusion. The legendary character, who has been largely overlooked in recent Ubisoft ventures, acts as an announcer for deathmatches in the game. Players can also unlock a “legendary” Rayman profile picture as an NFT, which can be linked to their virtual ID card. While this may entice ardent Rayman fans, it raises the question of whether it’s worthwhile to establish a crypto wallet just for a nostalgic cameo.
## Why the Low-Key Launch?
The muted introduction of *Captain Laserhawk: The Game* seems to be a strategic decision by Ubisoft. Considering the criticism directed at its earlier forays into crypto gaming, the company might be cautiously exploring this release while sidestepping the intense scrutiny associated with a high-profile debut. By keeping the game under wraps, Ubisoft can assess interest in its Web3 projects without jeopardizing its brand significantly.
Furthermore, the game’s experimental characteristics and lack of refinement indicate that it’s not designed to be a primary revenue generator. Rather, it serves as a testing ground for blockchain integration and community-driven functionalities, allowing Ubisoft to hone these ideas for future initiatives.
## The Outlook for Web3 Gaming
The gaming sector remains polarized regarding the prospects of Web3 technologies. While advocates suggest that blockchain and NFTs could forge new paths for player ownership and community involvement, opponents highlight concerns about the environmental ramifications of blockchain, the speculative nature of NFTs, and the potential to alienate traditional gamers.