French publishing titan Ubisoft has reported a notable decline in net bookings, with a 21.9 percent drop for the first half of the current financial year. The company generated €642.3 million (7.3 million) during this period, of which €352 million (2 million) was accrued in the second quarter. Despite this downturn in revenue, the company saw a modest rise in its monthly active users, reaching 37 million—a three percent increase. Additionally, an impressive three million new users registered for Ubisoft accounts each month.
Franchise Highlights and Future Aspirations
The Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to be a significant revenue driver, amassing €4 billion (.3 billion) since its inception. Meanwhile, Rainbow Six Siege has also made a substantial impact, generating €3.5 billion (.8 billion) since its launch in 2015. However, Ubisoft has acknowledged that its latest title, Star Wars Outlaws, has not met expectations, though the company remains optimistic about enhancing the game moving forward.
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s CEO, expressed a commitment to revitalizing the company’s creative spirit and operational execution. “Despite recent setbacks, we are continuing to deeply transform Ubisoft in order to restore the level of creativity and innovation that built Ubisoft’s success while delivering stronger execution and predictability,” he stated. He further emphasized that while the first half of the year did not align with initial forecasts, the double-digit growth of their back catalog—excluding partnerships—underscores the enduring quality and value of their brand portfolio.
Guillemot highlighted the potential for recurring revenue and sustainable growth, reinforcing the importance of a player-centric approach. “To succeed, we must redouble our focus on execution and reinforce a player-centric mindset in everything we do,” he noted. This includes ongoing improvements to Star Wars Outlaws, where the team is actively addressing player feedback through title updates in anticipation of the Steam launch, the first story pack, and the upcoming holiday season.
Looking ahead, Ubisoft is taking the necessary time to ensure that the next installment in its flagship series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is polished and resonates with players from day one. The company’s dedication to quality and player engagement remains at the forefront of its strategy as it navigates the challenges of the current market landscape.
