Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot: 'Our Goal Is Not to Push Any Specific Agenda'
In a note to investors on Wednesday, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged that the company’s “second quarter fell short of expectations” and vowed to launch “a review aimed at further improving our execution.”
But Guillemot also addressed some of the cultural conversations happening around the company lately, which have intensified around Star Wars Outlaws and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows (which was delayed to February 2025 today) in particular.
“We remain committed to creating games for fans and players that everyone can enjoy.”
“Finally, let me address some of the polarized comments around Ubisoft lately,” Guillemot said. “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.”
Otherwise, Guillemot stated an emphasis on “a player-centric, gameplay-first approach,” while focusing on “focusing on two key verticals – Open World Adventures and GaaS-native experiences.”
Read Guillemot’s full statement below.
Statement from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot
“Our second quarter performance fell short of our expectations, prompting us to address this swiftly and firmly, with an even greater focus on a player-centric, gameplay-first approach and an unwavering commitment to the long-term value of our brands.
Although the tangible benefits of the Company’s transformation are taking longer than anticipated to materialize, we keep on our strategy, focusing on two key verticals – Open World Adventures and GaaS-native experiences – with the objective to drive growth, recurrence and robust free cash flow generation in our business. 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.”
Ubisoft last commented on some of the conversation surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows in July, issuing a controversial statement to its Japanese fans in which it apologized for promotional materials that “have caused concern” among its community.
Guillemot’s statement is one aspect of Ubisoft’s message to investors that’s been making headlines today. Elsewhere in the note, Ubisoft admitted that its most recent release, Star Wars Outlaws, had a “softer than expected launch,” and revealed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will mark a return to the company’s releases hitting Steam on Day 1.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
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