Ubisoft Receives Investment From Tencent To Form Subsidiary Dedicated To Its Three Biggest Franchises

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Despite the triumph of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Ubisoft appears determined to proceed with their organizational restructuring.

Today’s announcement reveals that the company is speeding up its transition process by establishing a separate entity solely devoted to managing the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six game franchises.

Earlier this year, the recent restructuring has been seeking financial backing, and following a “contest” where various parties were evaluated, Tencent was selected to acquire a 25% minority share in the newly formed subsidiary for an investment of approximately €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion USD).

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve heard whispers that Ubisoft might have considered selling some of their iconic IPs to heavyweights like EA and Microsoft in the past. There were even murmurs last year about a potential partnership with Tencent. More recently, there’s been talk circulating about a possible takeover by Tencent, the Chinese gaming titan.

In essence, Ubisoft’s established franchises like Ghost Recon, The Division, and any upcoming intellectual properties they are developing will carry on simultaneously with the newly formed subsidiary. This subsidiary encompasses their studios located in Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia, as well as both their existing library of games and projects that are currently underway.

What Does This Mean For Fans?

Ubisoft plans to establish a new subsidiary with the primary focus on developing game environments that are not only long-lasting but also compatible across various platforms. This includes enhancing their narrative-rich single-player games, expanding content for multiplayer games at a faster pace, incorporating advanced social features, and introducing elements where players can engage free of charge.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot describes this new venture as “a new chapter” in the company’s history.

By establishing a separate entity to primarily focus on the expansion of our top three brands, and by welcoming Tencent as a partial owner, we’re solidifying the worth of our assets, enhancing our financial stability, and setting optimal circumstances for the lasting development and prosperity of these brands.

Martin Lau, President of Tencent, enthusiastically voiced his approval of the prolongation of their established partnership with Ubisoft. He believes that the growth potential of these gaming franchises is significant, and they aim to develop them into lasting, thriving platforms that offer immersive new gaming experiences for players.

For their games and the impact of the newly established subsidiary on employment, only future events will reveal the details. The company has recently undergone not one, but two rounds of layoffs within a short period, indicating severe financial difficulties. However, this recent investment from Tencent could potentially help them resurface financially.

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2025-03-27 22:38