Well well well.. If you thought the Ubisoft's troubles can't get any worse, then I have a surprise for you... Tencent (De facto Tim Sweeny's pimp), the arch enemy itself, is already laying plans for Ubisoft's uncertain future.

According to Bloomberg sources, the Chinese conglomerate – which already owns around 10% of Ubisoft – and Guillemot Brothers Ltd have been speaking with advisers to explore ways to stabilize Ubisoft.

One of the possibilities discussed would involve teaming up to take Ubisoft private, it’s claimed, though talks are said to be at an early stage, and there’s no certainty they will lead to action.

Tencent and the Guillemot family are also considering other alternatives, according to Bloomberg.

Last month, Ubisoft‘s share price dropped to its lowest point in nearly 11 years. The most recent dips followed Ubisoft’s announcement that it had delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and the disappointing launch performance of Star Wars Outlaws.

Earlier in September, a minority investor called on Ubioft’s management to take the company private or let it be sold to a strategic investor.

Hedge fund AJ Investments published an open letter calling for strategic and structural changes at Ubisoft.

It urged the board to consider taking the company private, “implement a comprehensive cost reduction program and optimize staffing levels to be more comparable with industry leaders,” increase its focus on core IPs, and consider replacing current CEO Yves Guillemot.

Slovakia-based AJ Investments holds less than 1% in Ubisoft.

source: VGC

Think of it what you want, even be happy with further Ubisoft's downfall if you like, but know this: Whatever the outcome may be here, it doesn't look good when when Epic's sugar daddy, Tencent is involved. Period.

"Ubisoft has announced the surprise delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Instead of launching on November 15 as planned, the game is now slated to come out on February 14, 2025.

"Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now be released on February 14, 2025," Ubisoft said. "While the game is feature complete, the learnings from the Star Wars Outlaws release led us to provide additional time to further polish the title.

"This will enable the biggest entry in the franchise to fully deliver on its ambition, notably by fulfilling the promise of our dual protagonist adventure, with Naoe and Yasuke bringing two very different gameplay styles."

Star Wars Outlaws, which came out on August 30, was generally well received but reportedly not a big sales hit. Ubisoft confirmed that in today's statement, saying that "initial sales proved softer than expected."

That under-performance may also be driving what appears to be a step back from its commitment to the Epic Games Store, as Ubisoft said Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on on Steam on launch day.

The traditional season pass model is also out: "All players will be able to enjoy the game at the same time on February 14 and those who preorder the game will be granted the first expansion for free," Ubisoft said. All existing preorders will be cancelled.

In a separate message posted on X, Ubisoft acknowledged the delay "will come as disappointing news," but said "we sincerely believe this is in the best interest of the game, and ultimate your experience as a player."
Source: PCgamer.


Well well well.. The game release delay part itself wasn't really surprising here knowing it's a standard practice for the industry now. But to see Ubisoft
crawling back even more to Steam/Valve simply out of desperation is sure hilarious.


As always, Let us known your thoughts on the topic on hand.

Hello y'all

Recently we've come across an interesting website which documents EVERYTHING that Epic Games has touched and killed off for good.
Be sure to check it out:

https://www.killedbyepicgames.com/

"Killed By Epic Games is the graveyard (and a Parody of Cody Ogden's concept) of Epic Games and its affiliates; On this site you will find a free list of all companies, video games, software, products, among other projects in which Epic Games has been involved completely or partially."

"This page collects, verifies and maintains information on products that have been touched, acquired, killed, abandoned or touched by Epic Games and its affiliates. This project is managed by a single person."


If you ask us the website concept itself is rather neat, but... Its also a grim reminder that Epic Games (especially Tim Sweeney) is no good for the industry (still).

Welcome to our 200th Weekly News Roundup
Weekly gaming news, but without the clickbait!

Epic v Google: Match Group settles, Epic pushes forward
Online dating giant and Epic "Coalition for App Fairness" partner the Match Group announced on Tuesday that they had reached a settlement with Google over their long running dispute with the giant over its Play Store policies, with both parties filing to dismiss the lawsuit.

Epic - specifically Sweeney - reacted by stating that they will go to trial against Google alone.
The Verge Archive[archive.ph]

• Bandcamp United files complaint against Epic Games and Songtradr accusing their former and current parent companies of engaging in unfair labor practices against union members.
  Resident Advisor Archive[archive.ph]
  
  
• Epic faces newly revived lawsuit alleging the "misuse" of a choreographers dance moves by using them in Fortnite emotes.
  Reuters Archive[archive.ph]

Thank you for reading and have a good weekend everyone.
Au revoir.
For reviews, news & disclaimers on Epic exclusives, give our group curator a glance.

Please do not post this anywhere else without asking permission.
Please keep the comment thread civil.

Welcome to our 199th Weekly News Roundup
Weekly gaming news, but without the clickbait!

Epic launches "Now on Epic"
The newest scheme by Epic to lure developers to EGS this week comes in the form of "Now on Epic", offering 100% revenue for 6 months for games already released on Steam and GOG.

The new program accompanies "Epic First Run"; an identical program aimed at making EGS exclusives out of new and upcoming game releases.
Eurogamer Archive[archive.ph]

• Epic lays off half of Bandcamp staff (mostly Bandcamp United union members) amid its sale to Songtradr.
  Pocketgamer Archive[archive.ph]
  
  
• Blockchain Brawlers becomes the newest crypto game to launch on EGS.
  CryptoNews Archive[archive.ph]

Thank you for reading and have a good weekend everyone. For reviews, news & disclaimers on Epic exclusives, give our group curator a glance.

Please do not post this anywhere else without asking permission. Please keep the comment thread civil.