Ubisoft has announced significant changes to its business strategy, emphasizing a shift towards large open-world games and live service titles while canceling several in-development projects, including the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. This move aligns with the broader industry trend of major publishers like EA and Sony opting for fewer but larger-scale game releases to mitigate risks.
Under the new organizational structure, Ubisoft will have five ‘Creative Houses’ dedicated to specific genres and franchises. Vantage Studios, for instance, will concentrate on turning popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six into annual billion-dollar brands. The company’s studios will also focus on competitive shooters, live service games, fantasy narratives, and casual gaming experiences.
While Ubisoft plans to continue established series like The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell, the company has revealed that only four new franchises are in development, with three projects being canceled. This strategic shift towards established brands indicates a preference for reliability over experimentation. However, this restructuring has resulted in studio closures and potential layoffs.
The emphasis on blockbuster games comes with heightened pressure for success, exemplified by the cautionary tale of PlayStation’s Concord. Despite an eight-year development cycle, the game failed to gain traction and was swiftly taken offline by Sony after a lackluster launch, underscoring the high stakes in the gaming industry.
Source: The Verge