Tag Archives: Live Services

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Ubisoft heading to close Fiscal Year 2025 with a Live Services with Open World games focus for FY2026

Ubisoft recently released its earnings report for the third quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The company reported net bookings in line with revised expectations, and confirmed its full-year targets1. Despite some challenges, including the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft’s strategic focus on open-world action-adventure games and live service games continues to drive its financial health.

Key Highlights:

  • Net Bookings: €751 million ($857 million USD)
  • Operating Income: €129 million ($147 million USD)
  • Cost Reduction: Expected savings of €200 million ($228 million USD) ahead of schedule

Strategic Focus on Open-World and Live Service Games

During a Q&A session following the financial results presentation, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot emphasized the company’s commitment to focusing on open-world action-adventure games and live service games. This strategic direction includes popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as upcoming titles such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Crew Motorfest.

Ubisoft has a robust pipeline of products for the coming years. Some of the key titles to look forward to include:

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Set to launch on March 20, 2025, this highly anticipated game has already garnered significant pre-orders.
  • Rainbow Six Across All Platforms: Plans for major updates and expansions are in the works.
  • Anno 117: Pax Romana: Scheduled for release next year, this game is expected to be a major addition to Ubisoft’s portfolio.
  • The Division: Resurgence on Mobile: This mobile game is also set to make a significant impact.

Despite some setbacks, Ubisoft’s financial health remains strong. The company’s cost reduction program is expected to be achieved ahead of schedule, with savings exceeding €200 million. The focus on open-world and live service games is seen as a key strategy to maintain and grow Ubisoft’s market position.

As per VGC, Ubisoft’s strategic focus on open-world and live service games is a clear indication of its commitment to delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences year after year. With a strong pipeline of upcoming titles and a solid financial foundation, Ubisoft is poised to continue its success in the gaming industry.

We have been investing significantly for a big pipeline of products for the coming years along our two verticals, [these] being open-world action adventure as well as ‘Game as a Service’-native experiences.

And that’s what we want to deliver year after year.

As you know, we are preparing a big launch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows in the very short term. Next year we’ll have big plans that will benefit Rainbow Six across all platforms, that’s focusing well, and that’s a key milestone in the gross plan for the company.

We’ve announced that Anno 117: Pax Romana will also come next year, as well as The Division: Resurgence on mobile. All this is coming along well. We haven’t provided more colour for FY 2026 but we’ll have more to share by the time of May, and as I’ve just said, we have a strong platform for the future years across these two verticals.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

PlayStation Live Services future in question?

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the cancellation of two more live service games, one of which was a highly anticipated God of War title. The affected projects were being developed by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, two of Sony’s well-regarded studios.

As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment past CEO Jim Ryan’s legacy, one of his last main task was having Sony announcing an ambitious plans to launch over 10 new live service games by 2026.

However, the company’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in strategy. The cancellations follow the mixed results of their live service experiments, with notable successes like Helldivers 2 and notable failures like Concord.

BREAKING: PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, from subsidiaries Bend and Bluepoint, Bloomberg has learned.Fans have long wondered what Bluepoint has been working on for the last couple of years. I can report it was a live-service God of War game. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T23:09:48.705Z

The two cancelled projects were part of a larger initiative to expand Sony’s portfolio of live service games. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Bluepoint Games was working on a live service game set in the God of War universe. This news came as a shock to fans who had speculated about Bluepoint’s new projects since their well-received PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.

Bend Studio, known for their work on Days Gone, was reportedly developing a new IP with multiplayer elements that built upon the open-world systems of their previous game. Unfortunately, neither project will see the light of day.

In response to the cancellations, a Sony spokesperson emphasized that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be closed down. The company is working closely with both studios to determine their next steps. Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst had previously indicated a renewed focus on single-player games, which seems to align with the recent cancellations.

Needless to say that the cancellations have raised concerns among PlayStation fans about the future of Sony’s software lineup. With several live service projects scrapped, there is speculation that Sony may be shifting its focus back to single-player experiences. While this may disappoint fans of live service games, it could also mean exciting new single-player titles from Sony’s talented studios.

Sony’s decision to cancel these live service games marks a significant moment in the company’s gaming strategy. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony adapts and what new projects they will bring to the market.