Tag Archives: Ubisoft

Ubisoft will make the fight at The Crew gamers suing the company

Ubisoft, the renowned French video game publisher, has recently found itself at the center of a legal storm following the closure of servers for its popular racing game, The Crew. The decision to shut down the servers rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage among dedicated fans and leading to a class-action lawsuit. Here’s a detailed look at the backstory, the lawsuit, and Ubisoft’s response.

The Backstory: A Decade of Racing Adventures

Released in 2014, The Crew was celebrated for its expansive open-world setting, allowing players to traverse a scaled-down version of the United States. Developed by Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections, the game offered a unique experience with its persistent online environment. Over the years, Ubisoft provided consistent support, but in December 2023, the game was removed from digital storefronts. By April 2024, the servers were officially shut down, marking the end of an era for The Crew.

The Lawsuit: Ownership vs. Licensing

The server shutdown did not sit well with some players, who argued that Ubisoft had misled them into believing they were purchasing ownership rights to the game. The plaintiffs claimed that Ubisoft’s actions violated California consumer protection laws, including false advertising and unfair competition. They pointed to activation codes with expiration dates as far off as 2099 as evidence that the game was expected to remain playable for the foreseeable future.

Ubisoft, however, countered these claims by emphasizing that players were purchasing a limited license to access the game, not ownership rights. The company argued that this licensing model was clearly stated in its terms of use and product packaging. Ubisoft’s legal team described the plaintiffs’ approach as a “kitchen sink” strategy, alleging multiple causes of action without a plausible claim.

Ubisoft’s Response: A Firm Stance

In its motion to dismiss the case that Polygon got to see, Ubisoft reiterated that The Crew was designed as an online-only game with a revocable license. The company stated that it had fulfilled its obligations by providing access to the game for nearly a decade. Ubisoft also highlighted the introduction of offline modes for its newer titles, The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest, as a way to address player concerns.

This lawsuit raises important questions about digital ownership in the gaming industry. As more games adopt online-only models, players are increasingly confronted with the reality that their purchases may not guarantee indefinite access. Ubisoft’s stance aligns with industry trends, where digital licenses are becoming the norm.

The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how publishers handle server shutdowns and communicate licensing terms to consumers. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding digital ownership and the evolving relationship between players and publishers.

Ubisoft to found a subsidiary along with Tencent Games

Ubisoft, the renowned French video game company, has taken a significant step in its evolution by announcing the creation of a new subsidiary, with Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, acquiring a minority stake in this venture. This move marks a pivotal moment in Ubisoft’s history, reflecting its ambition to adapt to the ever-changing gaming landscape and solidify its position as a leader in the industry.

On March 27, 2025, Ubisoft revealed its plans to establish a dedicated subsidiary focused on three of its most iconic franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. Tencent has invested €1.16 billion (approximately $1.25 billion) for a 25% stake in this new entity, which is valued at €4 billion. This subsidiary aims to create “evergreen” game ecosystems that are multi-platform, integrating free-to-play elements, multiplayer expansions, and enhanced social features.

The decision to form this subsidiary comes after months of strategic deliberations. Ubisoft’s leadership, including CEO Yves Guillemot, emphasized that this move is designed to boost the creative and financial potential of its flagship franchises while ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

The Backstory

The journey to this announcement has been shaped by several factors. Over the past few years, Ubisoft faced challenges, including delays in game releases, internal restructuring, and increased competition in the gaming industry. These hurdles prompted the company to explore new strategies to remain competitive and innovative.

In early 2025, Ubisoft initiated a formal process to evaluate strategic options for its future. This included discussions with potential investors and partners. Tencent, already a shareholder in Ubisoft, emerged as a key player in these negotiations. The partnership with Tencent is not only a financial boost but also a strategic alliance that leverages Tencent’s expertise in the gaming market, particularly in Asia.

The Vision

The new subsidiary represents Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. By focusing on its most successful franchises, the company aims to expand its reach and appeal to a broader audience. The investment from Tencent will enable Ubisoft to enhance its narrative-driven solo experiences, introduce more frequent multiplayer content, and explore disruptive technologies for new intellectual properties.

This announcement also underscores Ubisoft’s dedication to its creative teams. The subsidiary will operate with a degree of autonomy, allowing it to innovate and adapt quickly to market demands. Ubisoft’s leadership has expressed confidence that this move will unlock the full potential of its franchises and set the stage for future success.

Ubisoft’s partnership with Tencent and the creation of this new subsidiary signal a bold step forward for the company. It reflects a strategic shift towards agility, innovation, and global collaboration. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, this move positions Ubisoft to thrive in an increasingly competitive market while staying true to its legacy of creating memorable gaming experiences.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows could be the breathing that Ubisoft needed in years

Ubisoft, a name synonymous with some of the most iconic franchises in gaming, has been navigating turbulent waters in recent years. However, the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has emerged as a beacon of hope, signaling a potential turnaround for the French video game publisher.

With impressive player engagement and financial metrics, this latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series is not just a game—it’s a lifeline for Ubisoft.

Since its launch, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has garnered over 2 million players within its first weekend, a feat that places it among the most successful launches in the franchise’s history. The game achieved the second-highest Day 1 sales revenue in the series, trailing only behind Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Notably, it also set records as Ubisoft’s best-ever Day 1 launch on the PlayStation Store.

On platforms like Steam, the game peaked at 64,825 concurrent players, surpassing several previous entries in the series. Additionally, Shadows has been a hit on streaming platforms, with over 11 million hours of gameplay watched on Twitch since its debut. These metrics underscore the game’s widespread appeal and its ability to captivate both players and viewers alike.

A Critical and Commercial Success

Beyond the numbers, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received glowing reviews from both critics and players. With an 81/100 score on OpenCritic and 81% positive reviews on Steam, the game has been praised for its engaging narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals. Set in 16th-century Japan, the game introduces players to two compelling protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. This fresh setting and diverse cast have resonated with fans, breathing new life into the franchise.

Why This Success Matters for Ubisoft

For Ubisoft, the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows couldn’t have come at a better time. The company has faced significant challenges, including underwhelming performances from titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, as well as layoffs and studio closures. These struggles had cast a shadow over Ubisoft’s future, with some speculating about potential acquisitions by industry giants like Tencent.

However, the triumph of Shadows has provided a much-needed boost to Ubisoft’s financial and reputational standing. The game’s success has already led to an 8% surge in Ubisoft’s stock price, reflecting renewed investor confidence. While this alone may not resolve all of Ubisoft’s challenges, it demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, commercially viable games.

A New Chapter for Ubisoft

Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents more than just a successful game; it symbolizes a turning point for Ubisoft. The game’s achievements highlight the enduring appeal of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and the potential for innovation within established IPs. As Ubisoft looks to the future, the lessons learned from Shadows could serve as a blueprint for sustainable growth and creative excellence.

In a gaming landscape that is more competitive than ever, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has proven that Ubisoft still has what it takes to captivate audiences and deliver unforgettable experiences. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of a new era for the company.

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.

The Division 2 newest expansion Battle For Brooklyn delayed yet again

Ubisoft recently confirmed the delay of the highly anticipated expansion for The Division 2, titled Battle For Brooklyn. Initially scheduled for release in February 2025, the expansion has now been postponed to June 2025. This marks the third delay for the Brooklyn DLC, with the developers citing the need for extra time to refine the content and ensure it meets their high standards.

The announcement of Battle For Brooklyn came during Ubisoft’s annual gaming event, where the developers showcased a teaser trailer for the expansion.

The trailer highlighted the gritty urban setting of Brooklyn, with stunning visuals of the iconic borough’s landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the bustling streets of Williamsburg. The teaser also hinted at new factions, powerful enemies, and a gripping narrative that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

The backstory of Battle For Brooklyn revolves around the struggle for control of the borough in the aftermath of a devastating event. Players will take on the role of Division agents tasked with restoring order and protecting the citizens of Brooklyn from various threats. The narrative will explore themes of resilience, community, and the fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

It is expected that Battle For Brooklyn introduces several new gameplay features that are sure to enhance the player experience. One of the most exciting additions is the new faction, The Brooklyn Resistance, which will provide players with unique missions and story arcs. The faction is led by a charismatic leader who has a deep connection to the borough and its history.

Players can also expect new weapons, gear, and abilities tailored to the urban environment of Brooklyn. The expansion will feature a variety of new weapons, including a series of high-tech gadgets and firearms designed specifically for the dense urban landscape. Additionally, new abilities will allow players to navigate the city more effectively, such as enhanced parkour moves and specialized combat skills.

The new release date for Battle For Brooklyn is expected to be sometime in June 2025, aligning with the game’s yearly cycle. The community’s reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing excitement and anticipation for the new content1. Ubisoft has promised that Battle For Brooklyn will be worth the wait, with its rich storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals.

The Division 2: Battle For Brooklyn is set to be a game-changer for the franchise, offering players a new and immersive experience in the heart of New York City. With its compelling storyline, new gameplay features, and vibrant setting, this expansion is sure to captivate both new and veteran players alike1. As we eagerly await its release, the anticipation continues to build, and the excitement among the community grows stronger by the day.

Reason for the new delayed of Assassin’s Creed Shadows revealed

In the ever-expanding universe of Assassin’s Creed, each new installment is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. The latest in the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has faced several delays, leaving fans anxiously waiting for its release.

Directed by Charles Benoit, the game promises to transport players to the mystical and complex world of feudal Japan, specifically, the intricate architecture of feudal Japan has posed unique challenges for the development team.

However, Benoit recently revealed the primary reason for the latest delay, pushing the release date to March 20, 2025.

As per an interview with IGN, Benoit explained that the Japanese roofs are the most complex structures he has ever worked with. These intricacies demanded specific codes and animations to ensure smooth and fluid transitions, an element crucial to the parkour mechanics that Assassin’s Creed is known for.

The Japanese architecture, the roofs [are] super complex.

Probably the most complex thing that I ever worked with if we compared to Odyssey and Syndicate. We needed specific codes and specific animations to support something super fluid, changing the transition of the parkour to make it even more fluid.

So that’s one of the specific feedback that we heard that we wanted to address, and it really improved since the last few months.

The decision to delay was heavily influenced by player feedback. The development team focused on making the parkour system feel more natural and responsive. Tweaking and balancing the progression, along with improving the overall gameplay experience, were top priorities. Benoit reassured fans that the story and design of the game have not been altered during this delay.

Benoit emphasized that the additional development time was essential to deliver a polished and enjoyable game. The team’s commitment to quality means ensuring that every aspect of the gameplay, from parkour to combat, is refined and balanced. This dedication to perfection is what fans of the series have come to expect, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to meet those high expectations.

As the new release date approaches, excitement continues to build. The promise of exploring feudal Japan with enhanced parkour mechanics and a seamless gameplay experience is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

While delays can be disappointing, they often result in a superior final product, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be a standout title in the franchise.

BTW, at my YouTube Channel, I mentioned about the recent developments at Ubisoft and also, offered a quick recap on what it is left for the so called Assassin’s Creed Infinity, please enjoy and support!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed again while Ubisoft feels lost

While the pressure is on for what’s next for Ubisoft after being challenged in all fronts, including gamers, shareholders and analyst, its management including Yves Guillemot, knows that the gaming world is not oblivious of any of the current situations an possible outcomes.

But things could be escalating as Ubisoft announced that a second delay for its highly-anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, was unavoidable.

Originally set to release on February 14, 2025, the game’s release date has now been pushed to March 20, 20252. This is the second delay for the game, which was initially scheduled to launch in November 2024.

Ubisoft stated that the delay is to allow developers more time to polish the game and incorporate player feedback. The company has been continually checking player feedback from the community and making changes accordingly. The additional time will help create the best conditions for launch by continuing to engage closely with the Assassin’s Creed community.

Ubisoft’s decision to delay the game is also seen as a strategic move to ensure that Assassin’s Creed Shadows becomes a bona-fide hit, potentially attracting more buyers if the company decides to sell.

The game is described as “the biggest entry in the franchise” and is expected to set a new standard for the series.

In the background, this is Ubisoft gaining some time

Before the delay announcement, Ubisoft issued a press release where CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that the company has hired top international management consulting firms to explore strategic and capital options for the company’s future.

This move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at unlocking greater value for Ubisoft’s assets and franchises.

We made good progress on the strategic and execution reviews initiated a few months ago and are confident that this will position Ubisoft for a stronger future. We have taken decisive steps to reshape the Group in order to deliver best-in-class player experiences, enhance operational efficiency and maximize value creation. We also recently appointed leading advisors and are actively exploring various strategic and capitalistic options to unlock the full value potential of our assets. We are convinced that there are several potential paths to generate value from Ubisoft’s assets and franchises.

Additionally, we are all behind our teams’ efforts to create the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed opus of the franchise and made the decision to provide an extra month of development to Shadows in order to better incorporate the player feedback gathered over the past three months that will enable us to fully deliver on the potential of the game and finish the year on a strong note.

Guillemot emphasized that the goal is to pursue various transformational strategic and capitalistic options to extract the best value for stakeholders.

The decision to hire consultants comes amid rumors of a potential sale of the company and it is a normal move when higher ups are unsure what to do next and/or cannot foresee if a new idea will actually be a success or not and how to prepare for either scenarios.

Reportedly, Ubisoft has been in discussions with several potential buyers, including Chinese giant Tencent, which is already a major shareholder. The company is also looking to drive significant cost reductions and adopt a highly selective approach to investments.

The future Ubisoft is unclear at best – What’s the noise so far?

Is no secret that Ubisoft is currently facing pressure from shareholders to consider a potential sale. The company’s shares have fallen to decade lows, prompting discussions about a possible buyout. The Guillemot family, which founded Ubisoft and currently holds a significant stake in the company, has been in talks with Tencent and other investors about financing a management-led buyout.

However, the family wishes to retain control over the company, which complicates the negotiations and added to the mix, that this potential sale has broader implications for the gaming industry.

If successful, it could lead to significant changes in Ubisoft’s management and strategic direction1. The involvement of Tencent, a major player in the gaming industry, could also influence the company’s future projects and partnerships.

But it appears that the recent announcement of the sunsetting of XDefiant hold more than it was told publicly.

And we are starting with a expected and overdue sequel, Beyond Good & Evil 2…

Michel Ancel, the creator of Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil, recently spoke about the ongoing development struggles of Beyond Good & Evil 2 in an interview with Superpouvoir.

According to Ancel, the project has been significantly hindered by conflicts among the game’s managers. These clashes have stemmed from differing creative visions and approaches, leading to constant changes and a lack of cohesive direction.

Ancel pointed out that the artistic director, game director, and himself often found themselves at odds over the game’s direction.

This lack of alignment has resulted in a project that has struggled to find its footing, despite the high expectations set by its predecessor.

The ambitious scope of Beyond Good & Evil 2, which aims to offer an expansive and immersive universe, has only compounded these challenges, making it difficult for the team to deliver a consistent and unified vision.

With all the problems, there has been rumors about the effect of the Project Wild Cancelation snd with this, another significant revelation involves Ubisoft’s handling of the now-canceled PlayStation exclusive game Wild.

The game’s director has described Ubisoft’s management of the project as a “real scandal,” expressing deep frustration over the company’s approach. Wild was initially announced with much fanfare, promising a unique open-world experience where players could control various animals and explore a prehistoric world.

However, despite the initial excitement, the development of Wild faced numerous setbacks. The director highlighted issues such as a lack of clear direction, insufficient support, and constant changes in priorities from Ubisoft’s management1. These problems ultimately led to the project’s cancellation, leaving many fans and developers disappointed.

Finally, we are returning with XDefiant and with this, some uncomfortable rumor that it has the Internet talking all right.

Unofficial sources claims that Ubisoft’s decision to sunset XDefiant is part of a broader strategy to devalue the company in anticipation of a potential sale. While Ubisoft has not officially confirmed these rumors, the timing of the decision, coupled with ongoing discussions about a possible buyout, has fueled speculation.

The company’s shares have been under significant pressure, and the closure of XDefiant, along with the layoffs at Ubisoft’s San Francisco, Osaka, and Sydney studios, has been seen by some as a move to cut costs and streamline operations in preparation for a sale. The involvement of Tencent and other investors in financing a management-led buyout has added to these speculations.

It’s important to note that Ubisoft has stated that the decision to sunset XDefiant was primarily due to the game’s inability to attract and retain enough players in the highly competitive free-to-play FPS market. However, the broader context of potential sale talks cannot be ignored.

GG XDefiant – Ubisoft will sunsets its biggest foray on team PvP First Person Shooter

Ubisoft has announced the sunset of XDefiant, its ambitious first-person shooter, starting today, December 3, 2024. This decision comes as a surprise to many fans, especially since the game had only recently launched in full.

Starting today, new downloads, player registrations, and purchases will no longer be available. However, Ubisoft has assured players that Season 3 will still be released as planned. The servers will remain active, and the game will be fully playable until June 3, 20252. During this period, existing players will continue to have access to all game features, including progression, events, rewards, and achievements.

For those who have invested in the game, Ubisoft is offering full refunds to players who purchased the Ultimate Founders Pack and those who bought digital currency or Season Passes since November 3, 2024. Refunds will be processed by the storefronts where the purchases were made and may take up to 8 weeks.

Executive Producer Mark Rubin expressed his gratitude to the community for their support and dedication.

We understand that this news may come as a disappointment, and we deeply appreciate the time and passion you have invested in our community.

While the sunset of XDefiant is undoubtedly a letdown for many fans, Ubisoft’s commitment to releasing Season 3 and providing refunds shows their effort to support the game’s player base during this transition.

The Journey of XDefiant: From Announcement to Sunset

XDefiant, Ubisoft’s ambitious first-person shooter, has had quite a journey since its announcement in July 2021. Initially known as Tom Clancy’s XDefiant, the game aimed to bring together characters from various Ubisoft franchises in a fast-paced, team-based multiplayer experience.

The development process began with a closed Insider test in North America in 2021, followed by a second test in February 2023. A closed beta test took place in April 2023, and an open session was held in June 2023, allowing players to experience the game and provide feedback. Despite the excitement and positive reception, the game faced several delays due to inconsistencies in the game experience.

XDefiant officially launched on May 21, 2024, and quickly gained popularity, reaching 1 million unique players within two and a half hours. The game’s success continued, with over 3 million unique players and around 300,000 concurrent players within 48 hours. However, despite the strong start, Ubisoft struggled to maintain player interest in the highly competitive free-to-play FPS market.

In a surprising announcement, Ubisoft revealed the decision to sunset XDefiant starting December 3, 2024. The game will remain playable until June 3, 2025, with Season 3 still set to be released3. Ubisoft cited the difficulty in attracting and retaining enough players to justify further investment as the primary reason for the decision.

The sunset of XDefiant has led to the closure of Ubisoft’s San Francisco and Osaka studios, with many employees transitioning to other roles within the company. Despite the challenges, the development team’s passion and dedication to the project have been widely recognized.

As the gaming community reflects on the journey of XDefiant, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties in the gaming industry. While the game’s sunset is a disappointment for many fans, it also highlights the importance of player engagement and the competitive nature of the market.