Key Takeaways
- Ubisoft‘s financial report announced Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been delayed to Feb. 14, 2025, with a day 1 Steam release.
- Revised FY24-25 net bookings sit at $371 to $392.2 million.
- Management has issues an internal investigation launched amid deteriorating profits.
As a long-time Ubisoft fan, I must say this year has been quite a rollercoaster ride for us! The latest financial report from Ubisoft has left me both disappointed and intrigued.
Yesterday, after suddenly pulling out from the Tokyo Games Show, I, as an Ubisoft employee, shared that we’ve got some updates for our future. Our fiscal year report for 2024-2025 disclosed a pushback for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and the initiation of a comprehensive internal probe, along with other adjustments.
The report emerged following a significant drop in the company’s share price, which fell below its previous lowest point of $16.42 to reach $12.72 today. The revised projections for their net bookings in FY24-25 are estimated to be approximately between $371 million and $392.2 million.
Despite the report not explicitly highlighting the flaws of the game “Star Wars: Outlaws“, it described its launch as “soft”, which suggests that the game may have struggled in areas that are particularly damaging.
Instead of the typical schedule, Ubisoft, the French game developer, has unveiled that Shadows will now launch on February 14, 2025. Remarkably, this version will be immediately accessible on Steam from day one. This move was taken based on player feedback, demonstrating their commitment to prioritizing players’ needs and experiences.
There was no word on whether Steam releases would be an ongoing policy.
Players can access the game at the same time, and those who preorder will receive the initial expansion package gratis.
Let me make it clear that we prioritize entertainment above all else when it comes to our work, crafting games with a wide appeal in mind. We don’t aim to promote any particular viewpoint or agenda; our focus remains on providing enjoyable experiences for everyone.
– CEO Yves Guillemot
Star Wars will not fade away, as planned. The report highlights upcoming updates and a scheduled Steam release on November 21, aiming to make Star Wars Outlaws a robust long-term success.
Toward the conclusion of the report, CEO Yves Guillemot expressed their intention to initiate a comprehensive evaluation with the goal of enhancing our performance even more.
In simpler terms, amidst all the legal terminology, Ubisoft appears to acknowledge significant financial losses and a decrease in fanbase this year. Further details will be disclosed on October 30 when Ubisoft shares its first half of the year financial report (H1).
The CEO is Dead, Long Live the CEO
Anyone following Ubisoft’s 2024 saga might notice that Mr. Guillemot’s statement did not respond to a certain challenger.
Recently, AJ Investments, led by its founder Juraj Krupa, publicly expressed concerns in a letter to Ubisoft shareholders, criticizing the company’s management.
Krupa claims that the Guillemot family collaborated with the Chinese corporation Tencent to artificially lower Ubisoft’s share value, allowing them to purchase it at a reduced price and thereby increasing their influence or ownership over the company they established.
In case the restructuring requirements, including the appointment of a new CEO, are not fulfilled, Krupa intends to unite the minority shareholders in opposition to the management.
We remain committed to creating games for fans and players that everyone can enjoy
– Yves Guillemot
In the report, Mr. Guillemot didn’t bring up the open letter at all. Although the internal investigation might be a response, it seems unlikely because his position as CEO wouldn’t be challenged by it.
Initiating an internal probe into Ubisoft seems prudent, considering the events of this year, regardless of whether it suggests a growing influence of Guillemot within the organization.
Even though Ubisoft may make promises and conduct investigations, fans have come to learn that it’s not until a game from them surpasses the norm of mediocrity that these actions truly matter.
Read More
- USD ZAR PREDICTION
- BICO PREDICTION. BICO cryptocurrency
- USD PHP PREDICTION
- SOL PREDICTION. SOL cryptocurrency
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- LUNC PREDICTION. LUNC cryptocurrency
- USD COP PREDICTION
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- ABDS PREDICTION. ABDS cryptocurrency
- JPY VND PREDICTION
2024-09-26 01:08