Paris-based gaming giant Ubisoft has announced delays for several high-profile games, including the highly anticipated Far Cry 7, in the wake of a sobering financial report for the first quarter of 2025. The company cited underperformance across recent releases, rising development costs, and a need to “refocus on quality” as key reasons for the postponements.
Financial Woes Force Strategic Shift
Ubisoft’s latest earnings report revealed a 32% year-over-year drop in net bookings, with flagship franchises like Assassin’s Creed failing to offset declining engagement in live-service titles. In a statement to investors, CEO Yves Guillemot admitted the company “fell short of expectations” and emphasized a renewed commitment to “delivering polished, innovative experiences,” even if it means pushing back release dates.
The decision follows similar struggles across the industry. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Warner Bros. Games also saw a staggering 48% revenue drop in Q1 2025, highlighting broader challenges in a market grappling with rising production costs and cautious consumer spending.
Delays Hit Key Franchises
While Ubisoft has not officially confirmed which titles are affected, insiders claim Far Cry 7 and an unannounced Prince of Persia reboot are among the delayed projects. A source close to Insider Gaming noted that the company is “prioritizing extensive playtesting and gameplay overhauls” to avoid the mixed reception that plagued recent releases like Skull and Bones.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from fans. “I’d rather wait longer for a great game than get a rushed mess,” said Reddit user u/FC7_HypeTrain, echoing sentiments shared across forums. Others, however, expressed frustration over Ubisoft’s recurring delays, particularly after 2023’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora underperformed despite its six-year development cycle.
Can Assassin’s Creed Save the Day?
All eyes are now on Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed projects, including Hexe and Red, which promise bold new directions for the franchise. However, as Yahoo Finance highlighted, even the iconic series may not be enough to reverse the company’s fortunes unless it delivers a critical and commercial hit.
Meanwhile, Ubisoft is banking on post-launch content to retain players. The recently revealed roadmap for XDefiant teases new factions and modes, though analysts remain skeptical about its ability to compete with established shooters like Call of Duty.
What’s Next for Ubisoft?
With shares plummeting 18% after the earnings call, Ubisoft faces mounting pressure to prove its “quality over quantity” pivot isn’t just lip service. For now, fans of Far Cry and other delayed IPs will have to wait—and hope the extra development time pays off.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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