Ubisoft stock price plummets following Strategic Update announcement and Assassins Creed Shadows delay  

Ubisoft’s share price has taken a hit today, already falling –10.46% as stocks began trading in Paris (as reported by Kantan Games’ Dr. Serkan Toto). This fall is likely due to the company’s Strategic Update, which hinted at restructuring plans and announced the delay of Assassins Creed Shadows, the latest title in one of Ubisoft’s major IPs. 

On January 9, Ubisoft released a Strategic Update on the investor relations section of its website. In the rather ambiguously-worded statement, Ubisoft reveals that it “has appointed leading advisors to review and pursue various transformational strategic and capitalistic options to extract the best value for stakeholders. This process will be overseen by the independent members of the Board of Directors. Ubisoft will inform the market in accordance with applicable regulations if and once a transaction materializes.” 

Rumors that Ubisoft could be acquired all or in part by another company have been circulating since last year. Although initial reports in October 2024 that Tencent might take over Ubisoft gave the French game company’s share price a slight boost, Ubisoft stocks have declined around 45% over the last 12 months, due to uncertainties over the company’s future direction and issues surrounding its biggest game launches (source: CNBC). 

Although framed in positive language, Ubisoft’s Strategic Update contained other information that could have alarmed investors, including vague plans to restructure and cut costs. This follows on from Ubisoft’s unexpected announcement in December 2024 of the closure two studios and the planned shutdown of live service shooter XDefiant.  

The moving of Assassins Creed Shadows’ release date from February to March 21 was also revealed in the January 9 Strategic Update. The reason given for Assassins Creed Shadows’ one month delay is “to better incorporate the player feedback gathered over the past three months that will enable us to fully deliver on the potential of the game.” However, another reason behind this decision is probably to move the game out of February, a month that will see many major releases jostling for players’ attention, including Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and Monster Hunter Wilds. 

This is the second time Assassins Creed Shadows has been delayed, as it was originally slated for a November 2024 release. Since its announcement, the game has been caught up in various controversies about historical accuracy and unauthorized use of imagery, receiving much backlash on social media. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled to be released on March 20 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Mac.