Ubisoft communicated today and revised downward its financial objectives for the 2024-25 fiscal year, following a meeting of its Board of Directors. This revision is accompanied by some strategic adjustments. And visibly, the reminder given by the players has hurt quite a bit.
Adjustments around Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The main decision concerns Assassin’s Creed Shadows. While the game is already technically ready, Ubisoft has made the decision to delay its release to February 14, 2025. This additional delay will be used to refine the gaming experience, learning from the reception of Star Wars Outlaws. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is particularly anticipated, notably for its dual-protagonist approach, Naoe and Yasuke, bringing two distinct play styles.
Another major change: the abandonment of the Season Pass. All players will have access to the game and its content simultaneously upon its release, and those who pre-order will receive the first expansion for free. In addition, Ubisoft announces the return of its games to Steam upon their release.
Star Wars Outlaws : initial sales below expectations
Despite a correct critical reception (and even more than correct for our Mr. Scintillant), with a score of 76 on Metacritic and user ratings at 3.9/5, sales of Star Wars Outlaws have not lived up to expectations. Ubisoft is working to correct course by providing updates aimed at improving the player experience.
The goal is clear: to attract a wider audience during the holiday season, and thus extend the life of the game.
Another important news for PC gamers: Star Wars Outlaws will be available on Steam from November 21, 2024. This decision, combined with the ongoing improvements, should allow the game to find its audience in the long term.
A more player-centric strategy
In a context where Ubisoft’s performance is not meeting expectations, Yves Guillemot, co-founder and CEO, stresses the importance of refocusing the company’s strategy. According to him, Ubisoft must strengthen its player-centric approach and ensure that the long-term value of its brands is preserved.
The company’s transition, although longer than expected, still follows two main axes: open-world adventure games and Games-as-a-Service experiences. This strategy aims not only for growth, but also for the generation of recurring revenue and a solid free cash flow.
Ubisoft admits, however, that to meet these challenges, greater efficiency is needed. Revisions are underway to improve the execution of this new strategy. These efforts must not only satisfy players, but apparently also shareholders and other stakeholders.
Ubisoft’s role in the gaming industry
Finally, Yves Guillemot also wanted to clarify Ubisoft’s position regarding criticism. He reaffirmed that the company’s main objective remains the creation of quality games for a wide audience. Ubisoft is not in the business of promoting… particular agendas, but rather of entertaining.
Ubisoft therefore seems determined to rectify the situation and strengthen its strategic positioning in the coming months. New information will probably be revealed when the first half results are announced on October 30, 2024. The coming months therefore promise to be crucial for the French publisher, with high expectations around the performance of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the revival of Star Wars Outlaws.
