Ubisoft today announced a bold new step in its ongoing transformation, creating a dedicated subsidiary to oversee three of its biggest franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. As part of this move, gaming giant Tencent will invest €1.16 billion for a minority stake in the new entity, helping Ubisoft streamline operations and bolster its balance sheet.
A New Subsidiary for Core Brands
The freshly formed subsidiary will focus on building “evergreen,” multi-platform game ecosystems around these iconic series. With its own leadership team and board of directors, it will have the autonomy to make agile, high-impact decisions across development, marketing, and distribution. Ubisoft says the goal is to improve the quality of single-player experiences, expand multiplayer offerings, add free-to-play touchpoints, and embrace more social features.
Why the Move?
By spinning off the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six teams, Ubisoft aims to become more flexible and better aligned with the evolving demands of modern gamers. Additionally, Tencent’s sizable investment recognizes the enduring value of these franchises and supports Ubisoft’s ongoing transformation efforts. This deal follows a competitive selection process conducted by Ubisoft’s Board of Directors, which unanimously approved the transaction.
Quotes from the Top
- Yves Guillemot, Co-Founder and CEO of Ubisoft, calls the new chapter “foundational,” saying, “we are focused on building strong game ecosystems designed to become evergreen, growing high-performing brands and creating new IPs powered by cutting-edge and emerging technologies.”
- Martin Lau, President of Tencent, expresses excitement, noting that “we see the immense potential for these franchises to evolve into long-term evergreen game platforms and create engaging new experiences for gamers.”
Structure and Control
While Tencent gains around a 25% economic stake in the subsidiary, Ubisoft will retain exclusive control and majority ownership. The deal—set to close by the end of 2025—includes customary provisions, such as veto rights for Tencent, lock-up periods for share sales, and a call/put option scenario should Ubisoft’s control structure change.
What’s Next for Ubisoft
Alongside this new subsidiary, Ubisoft will continue to focus on other major franchises like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon and The Division, and invest in emerging IPs that leverage cutting-edge technologies and services. Further details on the company’s future operating model are expected at a later date, as Ubisoft pushes ahead with its plan to become more agile and deliver top-quality, memorable experiences to players worldwide.
