Ubisoft’s recent financial maneuvers have stirred the gaming world, especially with its delay in releasing fiscal results. This move led to speculation about a potential acquisition by Tencent. However, the actual development centers on a strategic partnership rather than a full takeover. Tencent is now a minority stakeholder in the newly formed Vantage Studios, a subsidiary of Ubisoft.
Ubisoft and Tencent’s Strategic Partnership
Yves Guillemot, Co-Founder and CEO of Ubisoft, highlighted the significance of this development. He stated, “The closing of our strategic transaction with Tencent – which will see Tencent become a minority shareholder in our new subsidiary, Vantage Studios – is now imminent, as all conditions precedent have been satisfied.” This marks a pivotal milestone in Ubisoft’s transformation, significantly strengthening our financial position by bringing in €1.16 billion of cash, enabling the Group to deleverage, as planned. Vantage Studios, officially announced on October 1, aims to accelerate the growth of Ubisoft’s flagship franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry. The full organizational details are expected by early 2026.
Financial Highlights and Franchise Updates
Ubisoft’s quarter and half-year financial results were robust, with net bookings reaching €491 million this quarter, a 39% increase year-over-year, and €772 million for the semester, up 20% year-over-year. Key partnerships, including contributions from live TV and animated series, played a significant role. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, which debuted on Netflix, received critical acclaim and bolstered anticipation for the Splinter Cell remake.
Concerning their franchises, Assassin’s Creed outperformed expectations in Q2, with significant player engagement driven by expansions and updates. Rainbow Six, however, faced challenges due to a cheating issue, prompting Ubisoft to allocate additional resources to address it. The Division 2 saw increased engagement following the release of the Battle for Brooklyn DLC and regular updates. Massive’s Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora also posted strong performances, with the latter anticipating a major expansion and new features soon.