Ubisoft is taking decisive action in response to recent controversies surrounding its games and a disappointing performance in sales. The company announced revised financial targets for the fiscal year, citing lower-than-expected sales of ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ as a major contributing factor. This downturn in sales, likely influenced by the game’s controversies, has prompted Ubisoft to prioritize a player-centric approach to game development.
In the immediate term, Ubisoft will be rolling out new updates and patches for ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ to address player concerns and feedback. However, the company is taking a more comprehensive and long-term approach to restructuring its development processes. A new executive-level review is underway, aiming to improve efficiency and streamline operations. This review could potentially lead to further layoffs within the company.
The controversy surrounding ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ isn’t an isolated incident. The company has faced criticism for cultural issues in ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows,’ leading to a three-month delay until February 14, 2025, to allow for further refinement and evaluation.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed the controversies and the company’s response in a statement, emphasizing their commitment to creating enjoyable games for a broad audience: “Our second quarter performance fell short of our expectations, prompting us to address this swiftly and firmly, with an even greater focus on a player-centric, gameplay-first approach and an unwavering commitment to the long-term value of our brands. We are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience, and our goal is not to push any specific agenda. We remain committed to creating games for fans and players that everyone can enjoy.”
This executive review reflects Ubisoft’s efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and player expectations. It’s a significant step towards re-evaluating their approach to game development and ensuring the long-term success of the company.
