Ubisoft's Live-Service Success Means You'll Be Playing the Same Games for Longer
Annual releases give way to annual content roadmaps.
We know that live service games are the hot trend in the video game industry, but it's not until we see how these games affect a video game company's bottom-line do we realize, "holy crap live service games are popular." Take today's Ubisoft earnings call for its most recent quarter where CEO Yves Guillemot praised Ubisoft's live-service approach. The charts don't lie, as they show how well these games have done for Ubisoft.
According to some charts Ubisoft released as part of its earnings call, the revenue for live service games can be more than half of what the game made in its first year, versus the 13 percent for traditional games.
With this model, Ubisoft can release fewer games a year, but thanks to the live service model, keep games like Rainbow Six Siege and Ghost Recon Wildlands in the conversation for far longer. Years after the games first release even.
It's telling that Ubisoft refrained from confirming a new, annual Assassin's Creed title at this year's earnings call, instead confirming its commitment to release further content updates to Assassin's Creed Origins.
This live model isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you. Rainbow Six Siege is probably better than it's ever been. But for those of you accustomed to an annual Assassin's Creed or Far Cry game, it's clear that Ubisoft is in on the live-service model which will keep games like For Honor alive much longer than they used to be.
Read this next
Assassin's Creed on iOS? Some of Ubisoft Biggest Franchise are Coming to Mobile Soon
Ubisoft is making a big play in Asia, and mobile is the key.
By Matt Kim 2
A Ghost Recon World Premiere is Coming Later This Week
A big Ghost Recon reveal is happening soon.
Ghost Recon Wildlands Easter Egg Teases May 9 Reveal for New Tom Clancy Game
Tom Clancy is back at it again, it seems.
1
Ghost Recon Wildlands Adds New Story Content Starring The Punisher's Jon Bernthal
Two years later, Wildlands is continuing its story in a big way.
A Yakuza JRPG and Our Other Favorite Video Game April Fools Jokes From Today
Here are the good gags from this year's April Fool's.
3
Steam's Lunar New Year Sale Offers Players a Chance to Earn Additional Discounts
Celebrate the Year of The Pig.
Far Cry New Dawn Devs Reveal What Happened to Joseph Seed After the Apocalypse
We get our first real glimpse of The Father in the sequel to Far Cry 5, and a very trippy vision quest.
3
More News
From Candy Crush to Hearthstone: How the Loot Box Bill Could Affect Some of the Industry's Biggest Games
The bill defines microtransactions and loot boxes, but questions remain.
By Matt Kim 6
The Next-Gen PSVR Could Have Double the Resolution and No Wires
These are the features you can expect in future VR headsets.
By Matt Kim 2
The Makers of Tetris Effect Are Targeting Next-Gen Consoles for Next Game
Better hardware means more effects to put in the Tetris.
By Eric Van Allen 3
"Today's Digital Entertainment Ecosystem Is an Online Gauntlet for Children"
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS | A Republican senator's loot box and pay-to-win legislation has the support of Democrats and the industry shows itself in various states of preparation for the coming fight.
By Brendan Sinclair 1
More on PC
Dauntless Feels Like Fortnite To Monster Hunter World's PUBG
Dauntless recalls other recent games, but that might not stand in the way of success.
By Mike Williams 2
From Candy Crush to Hearthstone: How the Loot Box Bill Could Affect Some of the Industry's Biggest Games
The bill defines microtransactions and loot boxes, but questions remain.
6
"More Servers" Won't Solve Dauntless' Network Problems, Says Producer
The studio behind the breakout hit discussed server woes in a Reddit AMA today.
2
Scuf Wants to Outdo the Xbox Elite With a Modular Design Alternative
Last year's Scuf Vantage for PS4 is met by the Scuf Prestige for Xbox One.
1
Skyrim Mods - Best Skyrim Mods for Xbox One, PS4 and PC
Skyrim is a great game that can be made even better through the use of mods. Here are all of the mods that are worth your time.
4
Dauntless Best Weapons - Swords, Axes, Chain Blades, Hammers, Repeaters, War Pikes
Here's our guide to the best Dauntless weapons on offer, including war pikes, axes, swords, repeaters, chain blades, hammers, and others.
1
Replays Are Finally Coming To Overwatch's Public Test Realm
Time to watch my lowlights in slo-mo.