So I shorted the hell out of Ubisoft shares yesterday after I realized what was going on with the servers (worked well, made a nice round $624 this morning after I covered) but I came across something interesting (read: downright infuriating) in their shareholder report that I thought I would share with the community:
Note: read the italic bold part
Source: third quarter investor report:
http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_.../1042/2184.pdf
Quote:
Update on the strategic plan rollout
High-end games strategy
In line with the announcement January 13 announcement, Ubisoft continues to refocus its high-end games strategy by concentrating on more regular releases for its major franchises. These refocusing measures also comprise a reduction in new creations investments, which will enable Ubisoft to rebalance its existing resources on a constant headcount basis. This strategy will provide heightened visibility and profitability with a lower level of risk, thereby accelerating the generation of cash flow.
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Seems their new goal is to pump out more games, faster, with less development and investment in the games themselves. As an investor, that makes great sense.....too bad I think you guys know, as a gamer, how I feel about this.
I've been a loyal SH fan for almost a decade now,and I've never seen a reason to get worked up enough to post on forums before this. It's downright sad to see a favorite series move in such a manner; let's hope something changes in Ubisoft before SH VI, VII, VIII. I have faith in them to do the right thing; they have done well by me with this series, in my opinion. I've just never seen good things from a game company that endorses "more names with less development".
Time will tell.