Summery
Ubisoft is exploring a partnership with Tencent to manage its key intellectual properties, including the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise, as it seeks to stabilize its financial situation amidst challenging market conditions. Discussions are ongoing regarding Tencent’s potential investment, which could influence Ubisoft’s ownership structure and strategic direction. Meanwhile, fans can anticipate the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, marking a significant return to Steam for the series.
Ubisoft, the renowned French gaming company, is reportedly seeking new investors to form a gaming group that would manage some of its most significant intellectual properties (IPs), including the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise. This move comes as Ubisoft navigates challenging market conditions and aims to stabilize its financial standing.
Potential Backing from Tencent
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Chinese tech giant Tencent is among the potential investors for this new venture. The company has been approached to submit bids, with discussions expected to conclude by the end of the month. While Ubisoft has not officially commented on these developments, they have directed inquiries to their latest earnings report.
Key Details:
- Focus on Core IPs: The new entity would allow Ubisoft to concentrate more on its core franchises like Assassin’s Creed, which has remained a flagship series for the publisher.
- Ownership Structure: The Guillemot family currently holds 14% of Ubisoft’s shares, while Tencent owns nearly 10%. This ownership dynamic could influence future decisions regarding the company’s direction.
- Stabilization Talks: Following a significant drop in market value over the past year, discussions between Tencent and the Guillemots have included strategies to stabilize Ubisoft, including the possibility of taking the company private.
Ongoing Discussions
Reports indicate that Tencent is considering its involvement in any potential buyout of Ubisoft but seeks more influence over board decisions. These negotiations aim to prevent hostile takeovers from other investors while ensuring that the Guillemot family’s control remains intact.
Upcoming Release: Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Amidst these corporate developments, Ubisoft is gearing up for the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for March 20. This title marks a significant moment for Ubisoft as it will be available on Steam on launch day for the first time since 2019. Previously, Ubisoft had favored its digital store and Epic Games Store for initial releases.
What to Expect from Assassin’s Creed Shadows:
- Campaign Length: Players can anticipate a main campaign lasting between 30-40 hours.
- Platform Availability: This game will also join titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage on Steam, highlighting a shift in Ubisoft’s distribution strategy.
As Ubisoft continues to navigate its future with potential partnerships and new releases, fans of Assassin’s Creed can look forward to exciting developments both in gameplay and corporate strategy.
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