Ubisoft has recently unveiled its financial results for the first half of the year, showcasing the strong performance of its Assassin’s Creed series. While new sales figures for 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage have been announced, the company has yet to release updated numbers for this year’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The earnings report, spanning from April to September, highlights Ubisoft’s optimistic outlook, as net bookings exceeded expectations with a 39% increase compared to the previous year. The success was attributed to robust partnerships and a thriving back-catalog, underscoring the enduring power of Ubisoft’s brand portfolio.
The Rise of Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a return to a more intimate, city-centric gameplay, has achieved a significant milestone with 10 million players. This achievement was bolstered by a recent free update funded by Saudi Arabia, which has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the player community.
Uncertain Future for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Meanwhile, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the eagerly-awaited feudal Japan installment released in March, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its latest sales figures. Ubisoft mentioned that the game has “benefited” from the addition of the New Game+ mode and the Claws of Awaji expansion. Future prospects look promising with the upcoming launch on Switch 2, which aims to reach an even wider audience. In earlier updates, the game was reported to have surpassed 5 million players, aligning with company expectations.
Ubisoft’s other popular title, Rainbow Six Siege, is grappling with challenges as cheating issues continue to disrupt player activity and spending, following its transition to a mostly free-to-play model.
Tencent Deal and Future Developments
Ahead of finalizing its $1.16 billion agreement with Tencent, Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, stating that all necessary conditions have been met. This partnership will provide crucial funding for Vantage Studios, a subsidiary that manages Ubisoft’s flagship brands, including Assassin’s Creed.
In January, further details about Ubisoft’s “Creative Houses” will be unveiled. These autonomous entities are designed to operate with distinct leadership and strategic goals, marking a new era for the company. Guillemot emphasized that these changes reflect Ubisoft’s commitment to innovation and long-term value creation for stakeholders.