Publisher Ubisoft has faced big challenges this year. The company’s premium releases did not live up to expectations, it had to make a new wave of cuts and close the xDefiant shooter released in the same year. Shares have fallen to their lowest levels in a decade, and recently there have been increasing rumors that the company could be sold.
Leading gaming industry analysts spoke about the fate of Ubisoft in 2025 in an interview with gamesindustry. Many of them believe that the company’s problems will continue and it will have to be sold.
Emmanuel Rozier, analyst Newzoo
Ubisoft is in a critical situation as financial difficulties and operational errors have seriously affected its stability. In 2024, the market value halved, falling to levels not seen since 2015. Poor performances from releases like Star Wars Outlaws, xDefiant and Rainbow Six Extraction, as well as delays to key franchises like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, have added to the company’s woes, leaving investors and fans increasingly frustrated and demanding significant changes.
Acquisition or privatization is becoming increasingly likely. Tencent, a major Ubisoft shareholder, is a leading candidate for a buyout, although its future M&A strategy remains unclear. Privatization could insulate Ubisoft from the pressures of the public market and provide a chance for a comprehensive strategic overhaul. However, both paths are fraught with the risk of partial or complete loss of the “usual Ubisoft”, since the new owners may decide to optimize activities by selling underperforming studios or non-core assets.
Doctor Serkan Toto from Kantan Games
I hope I’m wrong, but I see Ubisoft closing studios and making massive layoffs over the next year. In my opinion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will receive good reviews and will sell “well” – but not enough for Ubisoft to continue doing business as usual. Ubisoft will look very different at the end of 2025 than it does now.
Piers Harding-Rolls, Ampere Analysis Analyst
I think Ubisoft’s position is somewhat dependent on the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Strong results could change the leverage available to various parties in negotiations to take a company private. This may delay the change in the company’s status.
