Ubisoft Entertainment reported third-quarter net bookings that outpaced both analysts' projections and the company's updated guidance, with bookings rising 12% to €338 million ($402 million). The French publisher attributed the upside primarily to strong performance from its core intellectual properties and heightened engagement across its catalog.
Company commentary and reporting identified the continued popularity of the Assassin's Creed franchise and the launch of Anno 117: Pax Romana as central drivers of the quarter's results. Executives also pointed to healthy engagement across older titles and strategic partnerships as additional contributors to the stronger-than-expected bookings.
Reflecting on the quarter, Yves Guillemot, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We delivered a solid third-quarter performance, with net bookings growing at a double-digit rate year-on-year, exceeding our expectations. This performance reflects the strength of our portfolio and the breadth of player engagement across our core franchises."
Beyond near-term sales, the company is implementing a structural reorganization that creates specialist "Creative Houses" intended to concentrate creative efforts. As part of that transformation, Ubisoft is offering a voluntary departure plan at its French headquarters aimed at reducing workforce numbers by 200 positions.
On the reorganization, Guillemot added: "This transformation is designed to sharpen focus, accelerate decision-making and elevate our creative ambition in an increasingly selective market." The group also reiterated its financial objectives for the 2025-26 period and stated that it holds sufficient liquidity to meet upcoming debt maturities.
Looking forward, Ubisoft is placing emphasis on mobile expansion. The publisher has scheduled the global release of Rainbow Six Mobile for late February, framing the title as a central element of its mobile strategy. Separately, the company has strengthened its financial position through a €1.16 billion investment from Tencent into its Vantage Studios division.
The quarter's results underscore a combination of franchise strength, catalog monetization and corporate actions designed to refocus creative output and shore up the balance sheet. The company maintained its medium-term targets while taking steps intended to reduce costs and increase agility ahead of forthcoming product launches and debt maturities.
- Net bookings: €338 million, up 12% year-on-year, above raised guidance.
- Franchise drivers: Assassin's Creed and Anno 117: Pax Romana led engagement and sales.
- Corporate actions: Creation of "Creative Houses" and voluntary departure plan to cut 200 roles at the French headquarters.