I actually first encountered Anya in a little cafe in Hanoi last year. She’s a phenomenal digital artist—it’s hard to explain, but she makes these deeply atmospheric landscapes based in Vietnamese mythology. We all know Anya’s work is gorgeous, but she can’t even afford to pay her internet bill. She dreams of performing before a huge international audience, of one day being compensated at the level her incomparable talent warrants. Could Web3 really be her answer, or yet another broken promise?
Is Web3 Democratizing Art For All?
Ubisoft jumping into Web3 with Might & Magic: Fates feels like a pivotal moment. They’re not just dipping a toe in—they’re diving in with a recognizable franchise, and doing the free-to-play thing. The promise is tantalizing: true digital ownership of NFT cards, a skill-based game where anyone can earn their way to the top, and a fair, accessible environment.
For artists like Anya, this can make all the difference. Imagine getting around all the usual art market gatekeepers—the galleries that demand 50% commissions, the critics who can make or break careers. Web3 offers a direct connection to consumers, a chance to build a community around their work, and crucially, to receive a much larger share of the value they create. Might & Magic: Fates, built on Immutable's platform (which has seen successes like Gods Unchained), could be the catalyst. It could provide a platform for emerging Southeast Asian artists to design cards, showcase their talent, and earn royalties on secondary sales. It could be a game changer.
Let’s be real. NFTs are ostensibly energy intensive, but NFTs themselves do not have to be built on the energy hogging blockchains. Immutable uses the world’s most powerful Layer 2 scaling solution to keep games and its community truly green. We can’t discount the importance of a large-scale Web3 game such as Might & Magic on the ecosystem. So is Ubisoft really committed to sustainability, or is this all just greenwashing?
Environmental Cost? Exploitation In Disguise?
More importantly, let's talk about exploitation. The crypto world is no stranger to scams, rug pulls, and teams that promise all the vibrant colors but produce zilch. How can artists such as Anya, who do not have the same technical know-how and fiscal support, access this dangerous terrain? What are the safeguards to ensure that they are not used by bad faith parties for nefarious purposes? Ubisoft’s name carries a lot of sway. Will they use that newfound power and influence to protect the most vulnerable, or will they chase profits at their expense?
I see an unlikely, but profound connection with fast fashion. Meanwhile, the same major brands promote “ethical” collections even as most of their production comes from underpaid workers in developing countries. Are crypto-art and NFTs the fast fashion of the art world – a shiny new innovation that hides old inequalities beneath the surface? What goes on when the hype is over, and value of these NFTs crashes through the floor? Will Ubisoft be on hand to protect and support the artists who have poured their time, talent, and artistry into this project?
Ubisoft has been experimenting with Web3 for a while, with titles like Champions Tactics: Grimoria and Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E. These projects reflect an admirable willingness to innovate, yet they bring up serious concern for the company’s long-term vision. Are they really interested in this mission of empowering creators and building a decentralized economy? Or is this just part of a plan to milk greater profits from its current trove of intellectual property?
Ubisoft's Motives: Power Or Profit?
The fact that Might & Magic: Fates is free-to-play is both a blessing and a curse. That’s great in that it brings the game to more people, but it opens more doors for predatory monetization. Will the design of the game allow skilled players to show creativity and flair? Or will it devolve into a predatory pay-to-win grind designed to drain players’ wallets? The line between engaging game design and exploitative manipulation is razor thin, and Ubisoft should know better than to cross it.
I’m reminded of a conversation I had with one of my gamer friends who is in the education sector. He noted that “accessibility” will always be another word for “easier to monetize.” The free-to-play model can be very profitable, but that depends on the fine line of balance. If Might & Magic: Fates becomes another example of a game designed to squeeze every last penny out of its players, it will be a major setback for the Web3 gaming space.
It’s time to turn the tide and start asking Ubisoft some serious questions. Further, what are their plans to protect artists from being scammed and exploited in the future. What mechanisms will they put in place to make sure the game is still fun for everyone, not just players who have tons of money to spend? And if they are moving toward Web3, what steps are they taking to reduce the environmental impact of their Web3 projects.
Now it’s our turn to demand transparency, to demand accountability. Back Southeast Asian artists experimenting with Web3, lobby for better consumer protections, and fund more Web3 education programming. Anya, and all the Anya’s of this world, need a fair shot at talent. Here’s hoping that Ubisoft’s Web3 gamble empowers players, not exploits them.
It's time for us to demand transparency and accountability. Support Southeast Asian artists exploring Web3, advocate for stronger consumer protections, and invest in Web3 education. Anya, and countless other artists like her, deserve a fair chance. Let's make sure that Ubisoft's Web3 gamble empowers, not exploits.
