Ubisoft Attributes Recent Game Delays and Cancellations to an Excessive Number of Titles in Development

During its Q3 2022–23 investors call held on Friday, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed the reason behind the delay and cancellation of several games in recent years. Guillemot admitted that the company was juggling too many projects simultaneously, leading to the decision to cancel three undisclosed titles last month. This move was made to mitigate revenue losses and support long-term growth. Furthermore, Guillemot confirmed that Ubisoft plans to participate in the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) if the event takes place this year, promising an exciting showcase of their upcoming games.

In the investors call, Guillemot emphasized the importance of creating space for the development of other games within the company. By canceling some projects, Ubisoft can allocate more resources to ensure the remaining games progress smoothly. He mentioned that the company now has the optimal number of games and expects to launch a significant number in the financial year ’24. This strategy allows Ubisoft to maintain a balance between game releases and provide ample room for other projects under development.

Notably, Ubisoft’s naval combat game, Skull & Bones, has experienced multiple delays. The most recent postponement was motivated by the desire to incorporate feedback gathered from ongoing technical tests, ultimately delivering a polished gaming experience upon release. Initially scheduled for March 9, the game is now set to launch in the company’s following fiscal year, between April 2023 and March 2024.

Guillemot also explained how canceling certain games benefits the post-launch content of key titles in the future. By reallocating developers from less successful projects to assist with mainline games, Ubisoft can maximize their talents and time. As many of these games will require post-launch content creation, having additional teams available ensures a seamless continuation of gameplay experiences.

Regarding E3, Ubisoft’s statements suggested uncertainty about the event’s occurrence this year. Reports indicated that Sony, Xbox, and Nintendo, commonly referred to as the “big three” in gaming, may not attend the expo. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer specifically confirmed Microsoft’s plans to hold a separate showcase around the same time as E3. PlayStation withdrew from E3 in 2019, opting for independent events like State of Play. Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest has also demonstrated the viability of digital-only events in effectively promoting games without physical presence and costly booths.

However, a recent report from The Verge contradicts these speculations, asserting that E3 2023 will proceed despite the withdrawal of major publishers. Lance Fensterman, President of ReedPop, the organizers of E3, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s progress and community engagement in a prepared statement. While Ubisoft’s specific lineup for E3 remains undisclosed, many anticipate the reveal of Assassin’s Creed Mirage among the showcased titles.

In conclusion, Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot shared insights into the company’s game delays and cancellations during the Q3 investors call. These decisions were necessary to address the issue of managing numerous projects simultaneously. Ubisoft is committed to participating in E3, pending its occurrence, and promises a captivating presentation of their upcoming games.

 

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