Ubisoft Faces Crisis as Flops Force Big Changes

Ubisoft is in serious trouble after a disappointing 2024, with several games failing to meet expectations. The company has announced plans to focus on its biggest franchises, cut back on other projects, and make itself more appealing to investors or buyers.

Some of Ubisoft’s biggest failures last year include Skull and Bones, XDefiant, and Star Wars Outlaws. Despite high hopes for Star Wars Outlaws, it sold poorly, ranking as the 47th best-selling game in Europe. The company also delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows to address fan concerns, a decision that some see as a sign of uncertainty within Ubisoft’s leadership.

Beyond poor sales, Ubisoft has been dealing with other problems, like rising costs, less interest in its main franchises, and high staff turnover after workplace scandals. Once known for taking risks and trying new ideas, Ubisoft is now focusing on making its business more efficient to survive.

In the past, Ubisoft supported smaller projects and new ideas, such as investing in emerging markets like Serbia and India or trying out new technology like VR and motion controls. The company also worked on diversity efforts within its teams. However, its new focus on cutting costs and maximizing profits could mean these efforts may not continue.

For fans, this likely means fewer unique games. Popular series like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry are safe, but projects like the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake or Beyond Good & Evil 2 could be canceled. Creative, smaller titles, like Mario + Rabbids, may also be in danger as the company shifts toward safer, proven hits.

Ubisoft must take these steps to recover, but in doing so, it risks losing the creativity and bold ideas that made it stand out. It remains to be seen whether the company can survive this crisis while holding onto what made it unique.