PUBG developer Krafton has signed a long-term deal with Solana Labs that will cause the dev creating “blockchain- and NFT-based games and services”. Imagine how much your battle royale experience would be improved by the addition of NFTs. Or blockchain-based equipment purchases. That sounds like a fantastic idea, right? Guys? Where’s everyone going?
This isn’t Krafton’s first foray into the world of blockchain-based games. Earlier this year, the company said it was teaming up with Naver Z to build “…an NFT metaverse platform”. But, as with the Solana Labs announcement, there wasn’t much detail to go on. They’re just going to build it. Somehow.
PUBG‘s NFT frying pans
The PUBG dev’s announcement is suitably vague. “The two companies will cooperate in the marketing and design of blockchain games and various blockchain technologies, as well as jointly cooperate on investment opportunities.” This will entail “…development and operation of blockchain- and NFT-based games and services”.
None of which actually explains what the partnership will do. PUBG already supports a system of unique digital items that may be bought, traded, or gained via crate drops. If blockchain tech is incorporated into the battle royale itself, it’ll… complicate the process?
Krafton joins Ubisoft in standing solidly behind NFTs and blockchain use in games. Several other game developers have backed away from the Web3-ification of their games following player outcry. The naysayers seem to have a point so far. Nobody has demonstrated Blockchain gaming features that can’t be implemented in a less complicated manner. It’s unlikely that PUBG will be the first to pull that off.