- Ubisoft has postponed the release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” by three months to February 2025 and reduced its net bookings guidance for fiscal 2024-2025.
- The company is transitioning away from the traditional Season Pass model, offering the first expansion of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” for free to pre-order customers.
OUR TAKE
Ubisoft’s delay of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” and its shift away from the traditional Season Pass model highlight the company’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer expectations. However, persistent execution challenges and underperforming titles suggest that deeper strategic adjustments are necessary for Ubisoft to regain industry leadership and financial stability.
–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter
What happened
Ubisoft announced a three-month delay in the release of its upcoming game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” now scheduled for February 14, 2025. As a result, the French video game maker has also revised its net bookings forecast for the fiscal year 2024-2025, expecting a drop to 1.95 billion euros, down from previous estimates.
For the second quarter, net bookings are anticipated to range between 350 million and 370 million euros, a significant decline from the initial forecast of 500 million euros. Ubisoft shares, which hit 10-year lows recently due to underwhelming feedback on “Star Wars Outlaws,” closed at 11.42 euros on Wednesday.
The company is shifting away from the traditional Season Pass model, offering free expansions for pre-orders. CEO Yves Guillemot mentioned that the executive team is reviewing strategies to improve execution and performance, while CFO Frederick Duguet indicated headcount reductions as part of cost-cutting measures.
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Why it’s important
Ubisoft’s delay of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” reflects deeper challenges within the company. After several years of financial struggles and delayed releases, Ubisoft’s lowered net bookings guidance signals that the company is grappling with significant execution issues.
The muted reception of “Star Wars Outlaws” exacerbates these concerns, showing that even high-profile IPs can no longer guarantee success. Moving away from the traditional Season Pass model suggests Ubisoft is adapting to evolving market trends where players expect more value and flexibility, especially in an increasingly competitive gaming industry.
This shift is essential as consumers grow wary of outdated monetisation strategies. However, with delayed releases and disappointing performances from major titles, Ubisoft needs more than just structural adjustments; it requires a creative and strategic overhaul to regain market confidence. The success of its upcoming games and execution of cost-cutting initiatives will be pivotal in determining its future.
