Ubisoft Cancels Three Unannounced Games, Skull And Bones Delayed Again

The company revealed this in its most recent financial update. Ubisoft had canceled three games that were not announced. Skull and Bones has been also delayed, as it has been repeatedly delayed in the past. 

According to the company, “major problems” are being faced by the industry as it shifts towards long-lasting games and mega-brands that can be reached players worldwide across all platforms and business models. The company says its four-year strategy was to build “long-lasting, live games” and “adapt our strongest franchises,” like Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six and The Division. “To converging trends, they will become truly global brands,” it said. 

The press release states that “Unfortunately, our games from the investment phase are still to be released and while recent launches have not performed well as we expected.” This effect is compounded by worsening macroeconomic circumstances. The trends during the Holiday season have been noticeably and unexpectedly slower than anticipated.

“This context has caused a complete review of revenue prospects which led to greater caution in the future.” Considering this, combined with the significant additional investments that resulted from lockdown and new working patterns that have a profound impact on productions across the industry over the past 3 years, Ubisoft is announcing today a set of measures dedicated to strengthening its long-term growth and value-creation prospects.” 

It’s in those measures that Ubisoft reveals it has canceled “three unannounced projects, on top of the four already announced in July 2022,” referring to its cancelation of Ghost Recon Frontline, Splinter Cell VR, and two more unannounced titles last year. 

Ubisoft reveals then that Skull and Bones was delayed five times. This game will finally be made available for download in early 2023-24. Players will however be able play the game in its beta phase. Ubisoft explains that Skull and Bones is still being delayed. 

The press release states that “The extra time has already paid off” and has led to impressive quality improvements. Recent playtests have confirmed this. Its evolution will surprise players, we believe. It has been delayed to allow us to present a more balanced and polished experience to players and increase awareness.

Elsewhere in the financial update, Ubisoft notes that it has decreased its Q3 2022-23 net bookings target from roughly $892 million to about $779 million. Again, Ubisoft mentions the “more challenging environment” and cites that 2022 big releases like Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope 2023 have performed below expectations. 

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