French video game developer Ubisoft is furthering its blockchain ambitions by joining the Aleph.im network in the capacity of channel node operator, setting the stage for further collaboration with the distributed cloud platform.

As a core channel node operator, Ubisoft is contributing to Aleph.im through staking, validating and managing the decentralized network. While all nodes are able to join the network, its status as core channel node activates only after it has staked 500,000 ALEPH tokens.

Jonathan Schemoul, founder and CEO of Aleph.im, said the company’s “primary mission is to make decentralized cloud services a reality.”

“At Ubisoft, we believe that Blockchain holds a key to the future of the videogame industry, bringing new possibilities for players and developers alike,” said Didier Genevois, a blockchain technology developer at Ubisoft. He added:

“Beyond NFTs themselves, the decentralized storage of their metadata appears to us as a determining factor in fulfilling the whole promise of true ownership. In this perspective, the exploration of the services offered by the Aleph.im decentralized network is particularly promising.”

Ubisoft’s exposure to the Aleph.im network likely grew after the blockchain network participated in its Entrepreneurs Lab alongside 10 other tech startups.

Related: Ubisoft selects blockchain startup for its Entrepreneurs Lab

Ubisoft has made it abundantly clear that it is pursuing broader blockchain initiatives. In June 2020, the company launched blockchain-based collectibles to raise funds for the United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF. In the same year, Ubisoft announced it became a validator node for Tezos.