Ubisoft's Mobile Revenue Decline and Assassin’s Creed Jade's Delay: What's Next for the Gaming Giant?

　　Ubisoft, one of the gaming industry's major players, is facing significant shifts in its mobile revenue and game release schedules. In its latest financial report, the company revealed a drastic drop in mobile earnings, from comprising 31% of its bookings in FY23 to a mere 6% in FY24. This decline comes amid notable developments, including the absence of any mention of Assassin’s Creed Jade, fueling speculations of a delay into 2025 or beyond.

　　Assassin’s Creed Jade, a highly anticipated title set in China and developed in collaboration with Tencent, garnered attention at Gamescom 2023 but has since vanished from Ubisoft's financial radar. Recent reports align with this disappearance, hinting at a postponement that has yet to be officially confirmed by Ubisoft.

　　Meanwhile, Ubisoft's strategic realignment is evident as it focuses on "open world adventure and native games-as-a-service" releases while canceling projects like the free-to-play shooter The Division Heartland. The company has also undergone significant downsizing, reducing its workforce by over 1,700 employees since September 2022, resulting in cost savings of €150m in FY24.

　　Despite these shifts, Ubisoft's net bookings for FY24 saw a substantial rise of 33% year-over-year, reaching €2.3bn or $2.5bn. Looking ahead, the company anticipates a modest 3% increase in net bookings for the upcoming quarter, banking heavily on AAA PC and console titles like Star Wars: Hunters and Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

　　Notably, Ubisoft hinted at potential breakthroughs in mobile gaming, particularly with the iPhone 15 Pro port of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a collaboration with Apple. This move could pave the way for more AAA titles from Ubisoft making their way to mobile platforms.

　　However, Ubisoft's mobile endeavors have seen setbacks, including the closure of its specialist mobile studio in London, known for titles like the Hungry Shark series. Development of these games now rests with Ubisoft Barcelona. Other key players in Ubisoft's mobile portfolio include RedLynx, creator of Trials games, and Kolibri Games, developer of Idle Miner Tycoon.

　　Looking back, Ubisoft's attempt to bring Far Cry to mobile as Wild Arena Survivors faced challenges, ultimately leading to its removal from app stores. These experiences underscore the complexities and uncertainties in the mobile gaming landscape, even for established industry giants like Ubisoft.

　　In conclusion, Ubisoft's evolving strategies, mobile revenue fluctuations, and game release uncertainties paint a dynamic picture of an industry constantly adapting to new trends and challenges. As players await further updates on Assassin’s Creed Jade and Ubisoft's mobile initiatives, the gaming community remains intrigued by the company's future endeavors and innovations.