MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Ubisoft’s full year sales for the 12-month period to March 31st, 2008, reached €928 million ($1.45 billion at current exchange rates) – thanks to the outstanding success of the likes of Assassin’s Creed and the publisher’s casual range.
The figure represents a 36.4 per cent jump from the same period a year before, when the firm reported revenues of €680 million ($1.06bn at current exchange rates) for fiscal 2006-2007.
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2007-2008 clocked in at €217 million ($340m) – a 10 per cent year-on-year increase, and beat Ubi’s initial corporate guidance of €165 million ($258m).
As a result of its success, the publisher raised its 2008-2009 FY operating profit forecast (before stock options) to at least 12 per cent of sales, versus the previous estimate of at least 11 per cent.
The firm reported: ‘This revision takes into account savings on royalties resulting from the acquisition of the Tom Clancy name for video games and ancillary products as well as the Group’s stronger back catalogue following better-than-expected performances in the fourth quarter of 2007-08.’
Over the 12 months, the firm’s Games for Everyone casual titles pulled in €230 million ($360m), whilst Assassin’s Creed surpassed six million units.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 performed particularly well in the publisher’s Q4, with nearly two million units sold in to retail in just three months.
The firm still has the likes of Haze (PS3), Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (PC) to come in its first quarter for this FY (April – June) – as well as new casual games on Wii and DS.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said:
2007-08 was a remarkable year for Ubisoft, underpinned by three strategic achievements:
Continued strengthening of existing franchises such as Rainbow Six, Rayman, The Settlers and Ghost Recon which recorded excellent sales levels;
The sharp ramp-up of the Games For Everyone casual range, whose sales figures tripled over the year;
A steady output of new releases with Assassin’s Creed and Imagine that have performed exceptionally well.”
These strategic focuses will once again be the key to our success in 2008 which is set to be another record year for the industry with growth expected to reach at least 15 per cent.
"Ubisoft’s games line-up is particularly strong, with no fewer than seven existing franchises, five new releases and new brands in the casual segment."
