Ubisoft's board of directors, together with the executive committee, is launching an investigation and review of problems within the company amid poor results of Star Wars Outlaws and the postponement of Assassin's Creed Shadows. It is reported by Insider Gaming.
“In the light of recent challenges, we acknowledge the need for greater efficiency while delighting players. As a result, beyond the first important short-term actions undertaken, the Executive Committee, under the supervision of the Board of Directors, is launching a review aimed at further improving our execution, notably in this player-centric approach, and accelerating our strategic path towards a higher performing model to the benefit of our stakeholders and shareholders.Finally, let me address some of the polarized comments around Ubisoft lately. I want to reaffirm that we are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience, and our goal is not to push any specific agenda. We remain committed to creating games for fans and players that everyone can enjoy,” the company said.
In addition to this, Insider Gaming writes that Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot sent a letter to all employees of the company, in which he also noted the poor financial results of Star Wars Outlaws, but believes that further updates will help to increase sales, particularly during the sales period.
Guillemot also noted that Assassin's Creed Shadows is ready, but it was postponed to provide the best possible experience, and at the same time, this game will be the first in many years to be available on release day not only on the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store, but also on Steam.
In addition, the company is considering how to change the system of seasons, in particular, in the case of Shadows, players will receive the first expansion for free for pre-ordering.
"Beyond the first important short-term actions that I’ve outlined above, the company’s top management will focus on accelerating the improvement of our production, communication, and publishing practices and processes in close collaboration with all these teams, with the objective to put players at the heart of all our decisions. We will regularly update you on the progress we’re making.Lastly, I’d like to address the recent polarized coverage around our creative choices. We are an entertainment company. As such, our objective is not to endorse any specific agenda. Our mission has always been to entertain players and enrich their lives with original and memorable experiences, that resonate with a global audience.
This setback should not discourage us but serve as a learning experience and drive us to act even more quickly. More than ever, let’s continue to believe in our ability to bounce back, while approaching the challenges we face with lucidity and determination. I would like to thank you for your commitment and to reiterate my confidence in our collective ability to surprise and meet the expectations of a growing number of passionate players in the long term," wrote Ubisoft's CEO.
The day before, it became known that investors called on Ubisoft to remove Yves Guillemot as CEO and restructure the company after the company's shares fell to 2014 levels.