Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Arriving Just in Time, or Is It a Missed Opportunity? Ubisoft Seeks Major Investors for Future Spin-Offs

Ubisoft is on the hunt for investors in a new business venture that will leverage some of its most renowned franchises like Assassin’s Creed. This revelation comes from a Bloomberg report, which cites insights from individuals close to the matter.

According to Bloomberg, the French gaming powerhouse is aiming to gather bids for this new project by the month’s end. These bids would be for a minority interest, with Tencent, a company already holding a 9.99% stake in Ubisoft and frequently mentioned in discussions about Ubisoft’s future, reportedly being one of the potential investors at the table.

The report, crafted by Bloomberg journalists Dong Cao, Vinicy Chan, and Benoit Berthelot, suggests that this new IP-focused venture might seek a valuation higher than Ubisoft’s main company, though it’s important to note that nothing is set in stone as of yet. In response to Bloomberg’s request for comment, Ubisoft provided its latest quarterly earnings report and remarked, “A review of various transformational strategic and capitalistic options is ongoing to help extract the best value from Ubisoft’s assets and franchises for all stakeholders.” Meanwhile, Tencent opted not to comment on the matter.

If Bloomberg’s information holds true, Ubisoft is making a daring move. By establishing a new entity to house its most prized franchises, it could appear that Ubisoft is transferring its most attractive assets into a new domain, potentially making them more enticing for investors.

Moreover, this strategy might create a distinct separation between Ubisoft’s valuable franchises and its troubled past. Notably, three former executives were recently brought to court following allegations of harassment, with the trial postponed until June. Creating a separate entity could distance these sought-after intellectual properties from such controversies, enhancing their attractiveness to potential investors.

A question remains about the role Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will play in these business dynamics. The performance of this game could be pivotal in either revitalizing Ubisoft’s success or exacerbating its struggles, especially since Assassin’s Creed is reportedly involved in the new venture. Ensuring the game is well-received critically and commercially has never been more vital.

With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows set to release on March 20, it won’t be long before we see how it fares and what ripple effects it might have on Ubisoft’s prospects later this year.