Ubisoft, the French video game publisher known for blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, is reportedly exploring a significant restructuring move. According to multiple sources, including a Bloomberg report dated March 14, 2025, Ubisoft is seeking investors for a new business entity that would hold some of its most valuable intellectual properties (IPs). This strategic shift comes as the company navigates financial challenges and aims to secure its future in an increasingly competitive gaming industry.
The proposed new entity would house major franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, one of Ubisoft’s flagship series, and potentially other high-profile IPs from its extensive portfolio. The company is considering selling a minority stake in this venture to outside investors, with current shareholder Tencent, a Chinese tech and gaming conglomerate, among the potential bidders.
Ubisoft has reportedly reached out to various funds in France and globally, requesting preliminary bids by the end of March 2025. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Ubisoft may seek a valuation for this new IP unit that exceeds the market capitalization of the main company, which currently stands at approximately €1.7 billion (down 32% year-over-year).
This move follows a turbulent period for Ubisoft, marked by underwhelming sales of recent titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Skull and Bones, XDefiant, and Star Wars Outlaws, alongside a delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows from November 2024 to February 2025.
The company’s stock has plummeted to near-decade lows, prompting internal reviews of its development cycles and a renewed focus on a “player-centric approach.” Additionally, activist investor AJ Investments, holding less than 1% of Ubisoft’s shares, has been pushing for a sale of the company, claiming support from 10% of shareholders as of September 2024.
The Guillemot family, Ubisoft’s founders, who control 15% of the company’s share capital and roughly 20% of its voting rights, are central to these discussions.
Past reports have hinted at potential collaboration with Tencent for a buyout, though no final decisions have been confirmed. The creation of this new entity could represent a compromise—retaining control over core operations while leveraging external investment to bolster its prized IPs.
Posts on X reflect a mix of speculation and concern among gaming enthusiasts, with some users noting Ubisoft’s financial struggles and others questioning the implications for its creative direction.
While plans remain fluid and subject to change, Ubisoft’s leadership appears to be weighing all options ahead of the critical Assassin’s Creed Shadows launch, which could influence the company’s next steps. Neither Ubisoft nor Tencent has officially commented on the specifics of this venture, leaving the gaming community and investors alike awaiting further developments.