Krafton (the creator of PUBG) is following through on its goal to get into blockchain and NFT gaming, announcing today that it has secured a partnership with Solana Labs. The PUBG creator says it will work with Solana Labs to design a host of NFT and blockchain-based games and services.
Krafton’s deal with Solana Labs aims to foster long-term working relationship. Which suggests that Krafton plans to be in this for the long haul and make NFT and blockchain-based games and services a regular part of its offerings.
Krafton says that together with Solana Labs, it will “cooperate in the marketing and design of blockchain games and various blockchain technologies. As well as jointly cooperate on investment opportunities.”
Krafton doesn’t say it’ll add NFT-based elements to PUBG
Krafton may be working towards a goal of designing NFT and blockchain-based games, but it hasn’t said a word on how far that goes. The company is behind two of the world’s currently most popular shooters – PUBG and PUBG Mobile. With a third game in the franchise, PUBG: New State having released last year.
No doubt the worry for some is that Krafton will try to implement NFTs and other play-to-earn mechanics into its PUBG titles. Some players would probably react positively should that happen. Most, though, would likely oppose the idea.
As has been evident of other big studios making similar announcements. Studios like Team 17 gave up on its initial goal of NFT-based games following backlash from fans. Meanwhile, companies like Ubisoft implemented NFTs into one of its latest titles. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. And the response has been, less than desirable.
But whether Krafton plans on bringing NFTs to PUBG or not, One thing seems clear. That it has no plans (currently) to turn this ship around. In the official announcement about the Solana Labs partnership, Krafton states that the agreement between the two companies is part of its plan to accelerate new business opportunities.
The deal with Solana Labs is also part of Krafton’s plans to establish its Web 3.0 ecosystem. In addition to this partnership with Solana Labs, Krafton has also invested in collaborations with other partners related to the industry. Including Seoul Auction Blue, XX Blue, and Naver Z.