Ubisoft has been facing turbulent times over the past months. While the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows could mark the beginning of a turnaround for the French company, a new controversy has surfaced, putting Yves Guillemot and Ubisoft under scrutiny once again.
Ubisoft Shareholder Raises Accusations
Juraj Krúpa, a minority shareholder of Ubisoft and CEO of AJ Investments, has taken action against the company by organizing protests outside Ubisoft’s Paris headquarters. He accuses Ubisoft of lacking transparency and allegedly engaging in secret discussions with Microsoft, EA, and other firms to sell off key franchises.
In an exclusive statement obtained by IGN, Krúpa asserts that Ubisoft is “terribly mismanaged” and is demanding a clear roadmap for the company’s recovery.
Ubisoft’s Official Response
In response to these allegations, Ubisoft issued a statement to IGN:
“As mentioned during our Q3 earnings call, we are currently reviewing various strategic and transformative capital options. The Board of Directors has established an independent ad hoc committee to oversee this formal and competitive process, ensuring the maximum value of Ubisoft’s assets and franchises for all stakeholders. Ubisoft will inform the market, in accordance with applicable regulations, once a transaction materializes.”
Tencent’s Interest in Ubisoft
Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, Tencent has emerged as a potential buyer for Ubisoft. Reports from Bloomberg in October suggested that the Guillemot family and certain Tencent shareholders had discussed an acquisition.
However, negotiations seem to be stalling. According to various sources, Tencent has begun to question the deal, primarily because the Guillemot family insists on maintaining significant control over Ubisoft. This reluctance has reportedly made Tencent hesitant to proceed with the acquisition.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Ubisoft’s Potential Savior?
The Assassin’s Creed franchise remains Ubisoft’s most recognized brand, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows has the potential to revitalize the company.
However, the development of the game has been far from smooth.
Key Issues Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows:
- Historical accuracy concerns: Various controversies arose regarding the game’s representation of Japanese history.
- Multiple delays: The game was initially set for July 18, 2024, but was later pushed to November 15, 2024.
- Final release date: Ubisoft has now confirmed March 20, 2025 as the definitive launch date.
- Impact on stock value: These repeated delays have contributed to a decline in Ubisoft’s stock price.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Ubisoft?
Ubisoft is at a crucial crossroads. The company’s financial struggles, acquisition rumors, and internal shareholder conflicts have raised concerns about its future.
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a potential lifeline, its success is not guaranteed. If Ubisoft cannot stabilize its leadership and financial strategy, we may see the sale of key franchises to industry giants like EA or Microsoft.