No change in sight: Ubisoft remains on its current path despite setbacks

Ubisoft’s financial report for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 fiscal year reveals a 31.4% drop in revenue and a 52% decline in net bookings compared to the same period last year. These losses are likely due to several underwhelming releases in 2024, including Skull & Bones and Star Wars Outlaws, which fell short of expectations. The arena shooter XDefiant was also discontinued after just six months.

Despite these financial setbacks, Ubisoft is sticking to its strategy. As CEO Yves Guillemot stated in the conference call (around minute 15:50), the company will continue to focus on open-world action adventures and games as a service – titles that receive regular content updates. This includes franchises like Rainbow Six: Siege and The Crew. The next major open-world release, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to launch on March 20, 2025. According to industry insider Jason Schreier, Ubisoft’s future may heavily depend on its success.

Community stunned

The Reddit community is largely baffled by Ubisoft’s insistence on sticking to its current strategy. Many believe the so-called Ubisoft formula is precisely what caused the company's current struggles. This formula refers to a repetitive approach to game design, characterized by vast open worlds filled with fetch quests, base captures and map unlocking through tower climbing. Franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and The Division all follow this pattern. Critics argue that Ubisoft recycles the same ideas instead of embracing innovation. Pay-to-win mechanics, which allow players to purchase in-game advantages, are another frequent point of criticism.

Many Redditors believe Ubisoft has no future as an independent publisher. In discussions, the famous Far Cry 3 quote about insanity is often referenced: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." While some hope for the return of classic franchises like Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia or Rayman, others argue that only a complete overhaul, or even a takeover, can save the company.