Key Takeaways
1. Ubisoft reported a 31.4% revenue decrease and a 52% fall in net bookings for Q3 of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, linked to disappointing game launches.
2. CEO Yves Guillemot reaffirmed commitment to their strategy of focusing on open-world action adventures and games as a service.
3. The upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025, is seen as critical for Ubisoft’s future success.
4. Community concerns highlight dissatisfaction with Ubisoft’s repetitive game design and reliance on similar concepts across franchises.
5. Skepticism exists about Ubisoft’s ability to remain independent, with calls for a redesign or potential acquisition to improve the company’s prospects.
Ubisoft has released its financial report for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, showing a significant 31.4% decrease in revenue and a 52% fall in net bookings when compared to the same time last year. These financial troubles are likely tied to a series of disappointing launches in 2024, which include Skull & Bones and Star Wars Outlaws, both of which did not meet expectations. Additionally, the arena shooter XDefiant was stopped after only six months of operation.
Commitment to Strategy
Even with these losses, Ubisoft is remaining committed to its strategy. CEO Yves Guillemot mentioned during the conference call (around minute 15:50) that the focus will continue to be on open-world action adventures and games as a service. These titles regularly receive content updates and include popular series like Rainbow Six: Siege and The Crew. The upcoming significant open-world title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set to debut on March 20, 2025. Industry insider Jason Schreier has noted that Ubisoft’s future may rely heavily on the success of this release.
Community Concerns
The Reddit community seems puzzled by Ubisoft’s determination to maintain its current strategy. Many users argue that the so-called Ubisoft formula may be the exact reason for the company’s present difficulties. This formula typically involves a repetitive game design style, featuring expansive open worlds filled with fetch quests, base captures, and map unlocking through climbing towers. Series like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and The Division all adhere to this pattern. Critics have pointed out that Ubisoft often recycles similar concepts instead of pursuing fresh ideas. Pay-to-win elements, where players can buy in-game benefits, are another common complaint.
Future Outlook
Numerous Redditors express skepticism about Ubisoft’s ability to continue as an independent publisher. In conversations, a well-known quote from Far Cry 3 about insanity frequently comes up: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” While some fans hope for the revival of beloved franchises like Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia, or Rayman, others contend that only a comprehensive redesign or even an acquisition could potentially rescue the company.
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