Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition bodes well for Ubisoft, CEO says
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has said Microsoft’s bid to acquire Activision Blizzard can be viewed as a sign that Ubisoft is on the right track with its current business strategy.
While the merger has often been framed as Microsoft seeking to purchase Call of Duty, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has consistently claimed that the $69 billion deal is primarily driven by the company’s mobile gaming ambitions.
Of course, Activision Blizzard is also home to some of gaming’s biggest worldwide brands, as well as leading live service and PC games – all areas Microsoft hopes to acquire a greater foothold in, and which Ubisoft is pursuing too.
During Ubisoft’s first quarter earnings call on Thursday, Guillemot was asked if he thinks the Activision deal will be a catalyst for further M&A activity in the space and if so, what his view is on remaining independent in an industry that’s consolidating.
“I think it’s good news that the transaction can go through because it’s really showing the power of IPs and where the industry is going. So, there will be lots of opportunities too in the future for all the companies,” he replied.
“And It’s also showing the value of IPs that can now be on console and PC, but also mobile, and become more worldwide brands, and when we say worldwide it’s really everywhere in the world, and that’s a fantastic opportunity.
“And Microsoft is saying that the mobile part of the Activision deal is important,” Guillemot continued, “so all the investment we are making to be stronger on mobile are also in line with that, so all those elements will help the value of the company to grow.”
In January, Ubisoft said it had cancelled three unannounced games as it moved to double down on its biggest IPs and live services.
The company said
Read more on videogameschronicle.com
