Ubisoft is hurting financially right now.
And they continue to miss the point.
It started with Rayman. Nintendo GAVE them Nintendo stage time at E3 to showcase their game, which actually excited many fans greatly. Around the time Rayman was to launch for Wii U, there was extremely high anticipation for the game and the wii U itself ahd some good momentum going.
Then Ubisoft delayed the game for the better part of the YEAR. Why? So they could give the last gen consoles the same clout with their own versions of the game.
This resulted in a loss of enthusiasm for not only the wii u (which was going through the post launch drought, which this game would have and was scheduled to alleviate), but especially for Rayman. The game sold poorly on all platforms. The superstitious called it karma. Business people called it bad ethics biting them in the back, and fans just felt betrayed, and ultimately indifferent. By the time the game came out, no one cared anymore. Zelda HD was out and Mario was nearing.
Enter Watch Dogs. The wii u fan base has been by far the most vocal in their desire for this game since it was first reveled. The ps4 crowd seemed more interested in the division, mgs, and second son, the x1 crowd can't wait for titanfall, d4, halo, mgs, and dragon age.
The wii u, precisely BECAUSE of the third parties being stingy, has so much pent up demand for Watch Dogs, it isn't even funny.
And Ubisoft is going to pull a Rayman again.
Watch Dogs will be released to underwhelming sales, bad reviews, and may even end up cancelled for Wii U since they THINK sales will not be worth it. This despite the money already spent on development...
Ubisoft may end up the next THQ if this continues. Splinter cell is good. Tom Clancy games are good, Assassins creed can only take them so far. And it's getting oooooold already.
Just seems like a downward free fall and they sent the repairmen to the wrong elevator. Losing money year over year over year is not painting an optimistic picture.
Here's an oldie but a goodie freebie to anyone at Ubi:
Honesty is the best policy, loyalty always repays in kind, and you should count the cost BEFORE you build. Keep your word, no matter what. Even if you miss a target, your customers will know they can trust you the next time (which, btw, ensures there IS a next time. Don't do this and there may not be).
Follow these seemingly simplistic ideas and you'd be ok.
Otherwise, feel free to abandon something that you don't THINK will make you a buck fast enough and feel free to become the next Zune/PlaysForSure campaign.
Edited by Socalmuscle, 12 February 2014 - 03:22 AM.