For its first fiscal semester ending on September 30, 2022, Ubisoft posted a rather stable turnover, but the (already modest) profits of last year gave way to significant losses. These negative results notably take into account the projects recently canceled by the publisher: Ghost Recon Frontline, Splinter Cell VR and two other unannounced games. These cancellations are part of a cost optimization strategy that should see Ubisoft bet on a smaller number of games to better focus its efforts on the most promising opportunities. It is also about “simplify our organization” and of “stabilize the workforce“, Ubisoft having, as a reminder, exceeded the bar of 20,000 employees.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise obviously has nothing to fear, as the generous roadmap shared in September proved. This includes new classic titles (including Assassin’s Creed Mirage by Ubisoft Bordeaux) but also a multiplayer game (code name Invictus) and a mobile game (code name Jade). Everything will soon be connected by a portal called Assassin’s Creed Infinity. “Our goal is to take the brand to new heights by reaching a much wider audience with more platforms and business models. We are applying this strategic approach to our other major brands, starting with Rainbow Six and The Division in the near future.“, can we read.
In delicate moments, Ubisoft prefers to highlight positive statistics, in particular the 85 million players registered on Rainbow Six Siege, the 20 million players spent on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or the very good critical reception reserved for Mario + The Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, his only consolation prize for the end of the year. Asked about the beginnings of the game, Yves Guillemot said to himself “satisfied with the startnoting the growing share of digital sales and the marketing plan that should be in full swing for the holidays with the help of Nintendo.
Another big title on the program for the fiscal year, Skull and Bones is now expected on March 9, 2023. Ubisoft confirms that development has been completed and that this postponement will allow it to take advantage of a larger installed base of next-gen consoles. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, on the other hand, will miss the current exercise and will not be able to align either with the return of James Cameron’s franchise to cinemas.
Like many other publishers, even those who do not encounter any particular difficulties, Ubisoft is therefore rushing into mobile with a knife between its teeth. At the forefront, Rainbow Six Mobile is about to complete a closed beta test in which more than 250,000 players have participated with apparently favorable feedback. With this title, Ubisoft intends to make a name for itself in markets where mobile is king, especially India.
To raise funds, remember that Ubisoft has also forged increasingly deep ties with Tencent. The Chinese giant, which holds 5.5% of Ubisoft’s capital, can increase its stake to 9.99% if it wishes. As a security measure, however, Tencent will not have the right to exceed this threshold for 8 years.
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