Ubisoft is preparing for a company reorganization and declines to comment on rumors regarding negotiations with Tencent
On the evening of January 9, Ubisoft informed investors that it had taken "decisive steps" to reorganize its business. The company appointed consultants to help the French company increase its profits and enhance the value of its assets and franchises.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
It is noted that the consultants will work under the supervision of independent members of Ubisoft’s board of directors.
Exactly how Ubisoft intends to reorganize the business is unknown. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier believes that the company’s actions look like preparation for a sale. During a teleconference with investors, Ubisoft executives were directly asked whether the publisher had received a buyout offer from Tencent—rumors of negotiations with the Chinese giant have been circulating online since last fall. In response, Ubisoft’s CFO Frédérick Duguet stated that he would not comment on specific media reports and that various future scenarios for the company are currently under consideration. Ubisoft will inform investors as soon as it makes any decision.
Separately, Ubisoft announced another delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Initially, the game was due to be released on November 12, 2024, but the release was postponed to February 14, 2025. Now it is set to be released on March 20, 2025. According to Ubisoft, the additional month will allow them to refine the game, making it more ambitious and engaging.
Ubisoft also reported that it has revised its financial forecast for the quarter from October 1 to December 31, 2024. It now expects to generate net revenue of €300 million instead of the previously forecasted €380 million. This is mainly due to the closure of XDefiant and lower-than-expected holiday sales, particularly with Star Wars Outlaws selling below expectations during this period.
