Ubisoft Delays Watch Dogs Legion, Gods & Monsters And More
As a result of it dreadful financial performance, Ubisoft is delaying some highly anticipated games. Gods & Monsters, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Watch Dogs Legion will all be delayed until the 2020 to 2021 timeframe. Ubisoft says that it wants to "ensure that their respective innovations are perfectly implemented so as to deliver optimal experiences for players." Ubisoft has downgraded its financial targets for fiscal 2019-2020 significantly, expecting net bookings of approximately €1,450 million and non-IFRS operating income between €20 million and €50 million. Previous targets were massively higher at net bookings of about €2,185 and non-IFRS operating income of around €480 million.
As for why the company is taking such a beating, the blame lies squarely at the feet of Ghost Recon Breakpoint and The Division 2 performing poorly in the marketplace. Ubisoft does say, however, that The Divison 2 is responsible to a lesser extent. Ubisoft co-founder and CEO, Yves Guillemot, says that there are three main reasons behind Ghost Recon Breakpoint not meeting expectations. He said that it’s harder to generate interest for a sequel to a live multiplayer game. Second, he says the innovations in the game weren't perfectly implemented. And finally, Breakpoint lacked enough differentiation factors.
Guillemot notes that while the quality of the game appeared on track based on E3, Gamescom, and playtests, the game's critical reception and sales during its first few weeks were "very disappointing." He says that the company will continue to support the title and deliver "necessary improvements."
Last summer Ubisoft launched Ghost Recon Wildlands Mercinaries battle royale mode that never made much of a splash.
