Ubisoft plans to release fewer games

2017 was a strong year for Ubisoft. The publisher released many hit titles such as Assassin’s Creed Origins, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, and For Honor. All of which help Ubisoft recoup revenue. But what is quite surprising is that Ubisoft actually plans to release fewer games in the future.

Ubisoft discussed its new business strategy during its recent financial meeting. In the text, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot explains, “Ubisoft’s success reflects the direction of the industry: a model that is less dependent on new titles. New games are just one business and it’s focused on prolonging engagement with the gaming community.”

Guillemot also notes that “Our gamers not only play longer, they do it for months or even years” and that player interaction has “increased a lot” thanks to the games. multiplayer. Two comparison tables by Ubisoft show that traditional games grossed less in year two than service games (game as a service – meaning games that are free to play but will have content updates and updates). expanded after the launch date).

Ubisoft’s strategy is completely understandable from a business perspective. Why launch a brand new Assassin’s Creed game, when they can make more money selling the Assassin’s Creed Origins DLC? Similarly, why release the next version of For Honor when the game still benefits from in-game transactions? This is similar to Rainbow Six Siege, when the game made a spectacular comeback in the gaming industry by turning itself into a service game.

Furthermore, Ubisoft previously confirmed that they make more money from in-game transactions and DLC than from game sales. While a lot of people don’t like in-game transactions and loot boxes, it’s clearly a golden egg for Ubisoft, so much so that the publisher is willing to make it a business focus in the future.

Fans of Ubisoft games are sure to see more of the service game business in 2018. Far Cry 5’s Season Pass promises to keep players engaged after launch. The Skull & Bones pirate game features in-game events and trades. If similar to the first version of the same brand, the racing game The Crew 2 will also have more DLC.

Ubisoft isn’t the only publisher launching service games, however, that means players will have plenty to do in their spare time. Ubisoft’s real challenge is to make sure their games are worth more time to play than the competition.

Source: Ubisoft (1), (2)