Ubisoft Unveils New Financial Strategy Amid Assassin's Creed Shadows Controversy

Ubisoft, the renowned gaming studio, is contemplating a strategic move to establish a new company that would focus on selling key franchises such as Assassin's Creed. According to reports from Bloomberg, the company is considering selling a stake in this newly formed entity and has already initiated discussions with potential investors, including the tech giant Tencent, alongside several international and French investment funds. The anticipated market value of this new venture is expected to surpass Ubisoft's current market capitalization of $1.8 billion, signaling a significant expansion in the company's financial strategy.

However, it's important to note that these plans are still in the early stages of discussion, and Ubisoft has not made a final decision. The success of this initiative hinges on the performance of the eagerly awaited release of Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft remains optimistic about the game, citing steady progress in pre-orders as a positive indicator.

Amidst these developments, Ubisoft finds itself embroiled in another controversy, this time in Japan. Takeshi Nagase, a member of the Kobe City Council and the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly, has publicly criticized Ubisoft for its depiction of religious themes in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Nagase finds it offensive that the game's protagonist can engage in hostile actions towards monks and temple structures. He has particularly taken issue with the portrayal of the historic Engyō-ji temple in Himeji, where the character Yasuke is shown entering the sacred space with dirty shoes and damaging a revered mirror. This backlash adds a layer of complexity to Ubisoft's current situation, potentially influencing both public perception and the company's strategic decisions moving forward.