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In the entrepreneurial world, the Blue Ocean strategy* represents a groundbreaking approach aimed at creating a new market without direct competition—an alternative to "Red Oceans," where companies fiercely compete for shares of the existing market.
In the Web3 gaming space, Ultra and Black Ice Studios perfectly illustrate this strategy with their innovative game, Ashes of Mankind. This title merges immersive gameplay with blockchain technology, offering players a unique experience and a distinctive economic model.
While many Web3 studios pursue strategies of direct competition in already saturated niches, Ultra and Black Ice Studios have chosen to explore a "Blue Ocean" by creating an ecosystem where the player experience and user contributions are paramount.
*The concepts of Blue Oceans and Red Oceans were introduced by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, two INSEAD professors, in their book "Blue Ocean Strategy," published in 2005.
Ultra and Black Ice Studios’ Blue Ocean Strategy
Creating a new market: The fusion of classic gameplay with an on-chain game economy
One of Ashes of Mankind's key innovations is its ability to blend two game genres into a unified experience: a PvP-oriented first-person shooter (FPS) and a strategic management game. In "Citadels," players dive into an intense FPS environment, where each level of the Citadel presents new challenges and resources to collect. In parallel, "Empires" enables players to develop their own corporations, manage resources, and support the game’s economy by creating weapons and equipment for use in Citadels.
This novel combination seeks to attract both FPS enthusiasts and Web3 economy strategists. Ultra and Black Ice Studios offer an alternative to existing Web3 games, which often focus exclusively on "play-to-earn" models.
Rather than sticking to traditional gaming mechanics, they establish an immersive ecosystem where gameplay and game economy reinforce each other, bringing genuine innovation to the Web3 gaming market. This model represents a breakthrough in game design with significant potential impact across the video game industry.
A truly player-owned game economy
Ashes of Mankind leverages Web3 to offer an open economy genuinely owned by its players. In this ecosystem, every asset and resource can be owned, traded, and sold. Revenant avatars, virtual lands, and other NFT items (called UNIQs) are not just aesthetic assets; they provide tangible advantages to players and contribute to the game’s circular economy.
By integrating this economy into Ultra’s blockchain infrastructure, Ashes of Mankind ensures optimal security and transparency. Players and investors alike can trust in a stable ecosystem where their assets are protected and appreciated. This open economy model aims to attract not only gamers but also Web3 investors, making Ashes of Mankind a unique proposition in the Web3 gaming landscape.
Ashes of Mankind vs. its Competitors
Democratizing Web3 gaming
One of the main barriers in Web3 gaming is accessibility. Ultra and Black Ice Studios tackle this issue head-on by simplifying the integration process for Web2 players, who no longer have to deal with blockchain’s technical complexities. Players can enjoy the game without the need for a digital wallet, transaction fees, or the often tedious steps of creating wallets and buying tokens.
This approach makes the game more inclusive, allowing traditional players to naturally and gradually discover the benefits of blockchain assets. Unlike competitors who typically require a wallet and transaction entry, Ashes of Mankind focuses on the joy of gaming first, building player loyalty before fully introducing them to the Web3 ecosystem.
Building an economy based on user contribution and creativity
Ashes of Mankind also stands out for its contribution-based economy, where players can shape the game world by creating equipment, customizing avatars, and trading resources. Additionally, UGC (User-Generated Content) empowers players to design their own in-game items, creating a unique space for creativity and monetization.
This approach deviates from classic Web3 models that often limit players to a "play-to-earn" system focused on direct financial rewards. Ultra and Black Ice Studios instead emphasize a contribution- and collaboration-driven economy, where player engagement fuels the ecosystem and increases asset value for all participants.
A participatory and autonomous community
Community involvement is central to Ashes of Mankind. Holders of $ASH tokens wield real power within the game, with the ability to participate in the governance of their corporations and even influence the strategic direction of the game’s economy. This autonomy, supported by decentralized governance mechanisms, allows players to become influential figures in both Citadels and Empires.
Unlike other Web3 games that focus on quick gains, Ashes of Mankind builds on strong community engagement, deepening players’ attachment to the game world and fostering a sustainable economy. Players are not merely users—they’re the architects of a world that evolves with their contributions.
The Future of Ashes of Mankind and the Expansion of a New Blue Ocean in Web3 Gaming
Ultra and Black Ice Studios' Blue Ocean strategy redefines Web3 gaming norms—and traditional gaming, by extension—by creating a new market where players own, trade, and enrich their game universe. By focusing on an immersive gaming experience, an open economy, and unprecedented community engagement, Ashes of Mankind stands apart from other Web3 titles, which often prioritize rapid monetization.
With a robust infrastructure provided by Ultra, decentralized governance, and a contribution-focused economy, Ashes of Mankind is well-positioned to attract a diverse and loyal player base, from FPS enthusiasts to Web3 economy strategists.
For players and investors seeking an engaging adventure and a sustainable investment, Ashes of Mankind represents much more than a game: it’s an ecosystem where everyone can participate, influence, and thrive.
