Ubisoft, a once-dominant force in the gaming industry, is reportedly in a precarious financial position, with its stock value experiencing a severe and sustained decline. To illustrate the extent of this downturn, the company’s shares, which stood at approximately 60 euros five years ago, are now valued at a mere 5.26 euros, marking a staggering 91% drop. Their all-time high of 96 euros in 2018, a period that saw the highly successful release of Far Cry 5—the franchise’s most popular installment, grossing over 300 million dollars in its first week—feels like a distant memory.
The year 2018 was a landmark for Ubisoft, characterized by major releases such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which sold around 10 million copies. Alongside this success, the company also launched The Crew 2, which generated considerable debate, as well as South Park: The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole for various consoles and the Switch. While titles like Transference, Just Dance 2019, and Starlink also made their debut, none managed to replicate the monumental success of Far Cry 5.
Ubisoft’s Generative AI Integration in Far Cry 7 Met with Harsh Criticism
Far Cry 6, despite being the best-selling game in its launch month, saw a significant dip in sales and received mixed reviews, reflecting a perceived stagnation in its core mechanics, a challenge also faced by the Assassin’s Creed series before its re-invention with RPG elements. It appears Far Cry 7 is poised for a shift, with rumors suggesting an Alaskan setting that emphasizes survival mechanics. Further speculation points to the introduction of a 72-hour timer, a controversial addition intended to increase tension, which is likely to draw player complaints. However, the most alarming development is Ubisoft’s reported use of generative AI in Far Cry 7, a fact confirmed by Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming.
Henderson has had access to a pre-release build of Far Cry 7, indicating that this is not mere speculation but a concrete development. He described the game’s AI implementation as producing “horrible” visual results, painting a bleak picture for the title. This move aligns with Ubisoft’s stated commitment to generative AI, particularly after experiencing a substantial financial loss of nearly 1.5 billion euros. Henderson was informed that Far Cry 7 is being utilized for “research and development” and is separate from projects focused on AI-driven NPCs and bots designed to enhance player interaction and immersion.
Ubisoft’s Diminishing Sales Momentum; Anticipation for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake
Ubisoft, with over 40 studios and subsidiaries worldwide, has historically been a prolific developer, releasing numerous games annually, many of which achieve multi-million sales. However, the company is no longer the powerhouse it once was during its “golden age” on the PS3 and early PS4, when its releases were universally acclaimed. The repetitive nature of its game formulas has led the company to rely on remasters and remakes in an effort to regain its former glory.
One such upcoming release is Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 title, scheduled for July 9, 2026. This project carries significant expectations, as the original is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, alongside Assassin’s Creed 2.
