Ubisoft’s Strategy: Open-World and Live-Service Games as the Future

Following disappointing performances from titles like Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant, Ubisoft has found itself in a difficult position, raising concerns among shareholders and industry analysts.

According to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters, the French gaming giant has been in discussions with Tencent regarding a possible acquisition or privatization of the company behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While no official decision has been made, speculation about the company’s future continues to grow.

During a recent investor meeting covering the third quarter of the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Ubisoft addressed its long-term plans, outlining a strategy designed to stabilize and grow the company.

Ubisoft’s CEO Outlines the Company’s Direction

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed that the company’s future will be built on two primary pillars: open-world games and live-service experiences.

“We have made significant investments over the past few years to develop a strong pipeline of products in both of these key areas,” Guillemot stated. “We are focused on delivering open-world action-adventure games and native game-as-a-service experiences, year after year.”

One of Ubisoft’s biggest upcoming releases, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, is scheduled to launch on March 20, 2025, after multiple delays. The game’s success could prove crucial for the company’s future, as analysts believe its performance may determine the fate of the struggling publisher.

During the financial report, Ubisoft disclosed that pre-orders for Shadows are currently in line with those of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the franchise’s second-best-selling installment to date.

Future Projects and Ubisoft’s Vision

Looking ahead, Guillemot expressed confidence in the company’s upcoming projects, stating that Ubisoft is well-positioned for future success. “As you know, we are preparing for the major launch of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows,” he said.

“In the coming year, we have ambitious plans that will benefit Rainbow Six across all platforms. This is a well-structured initiative and a key milestone in our company’s overall strategy.”

With a renewed focus on open-world and live-service titles, Ubisoft is betting on consistency and long-term engagement to navigate the evolving gaming landscape.