Ubisoft Buyout Rumors: Guillemot and Tencent's Next Move
In the ever-evolving world of video games, Ubisoft finds itself at a crossroads. The company, known for its iconic franchises, has faced a challenging year with disappointing sales figures and a significant drop in stock value. Amidst these turbulent times, the Guillemot family, founders of Ubisoft, and Tencent are reportedly considering a joint effort to privatize the company. This move aims to stabilize Ubisoft after a 54% decrease in its stock value this year. However, these discussions are still exploratory and may not lead to a buyout.
Ubisoft's Recent Challenges
Ubisoft's troubles have been widely publicized. The company's attempt to rival Call of Duty with XDefiant fell short, and the recent release of Star Wars Outlaws didn't meet expectations. These setbacks have contributed to the company's decision to delay the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows to February 2025.
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft's CEO, acknowledged the company's underperformance in a recent investor note. He emphasized a renewed focus on player-centric gameplay and long-term brand value as part of a recovery plan.
Potential Privatization
The Guillemot family currently holds just over 20% of Ubisoft's shares, while Tencent owns slightly more than 9%. The potential partnership between these two could see Ubisoft returning to private ownership. Interestingly, the mere announcement of these discussions led to a 30% increase in Ubisoft's stock value.
Strategic Changes
In a bid to boost sales, Ubisoft has reversed its temporary exclusivity policy on the Epic Games Store. The company is now launching games on Steam from day one, hoping to reach a wider audience and increase sales.
Key Points
- Ubisoft's stock has dropped 54% this year.
- The Guillemot family and Tencent are exploring privatization.
- Assassin's Creed Shadows delayed to February 2025.
- Return to Steam for PC game launches.
As Ubisoft navigates these challenges, it remains committed to enhancing its player-focused approach and strengthening its brand. For gamers, these changes could mean more accessible and engaging experiences in the future.
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