Ubisoft's New Financial Schemes and Another Scandal with Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ubisoft is exploring the creation of a new company to potentially attract investors. This entity would focus on key franchises, including Assassin's Creed. Bloomberg reports that Ubisoft plans to sell a stake in this new company, with negotiations underway involving potential investors such as Tencent, and several international and French funds. The new company's market value is projected to surpass Ubisoft's current $1.8 billion capitalization.

Currently, the plan remains under discussion, and no final decision has been made. Ubisoft may ultimately decide against pursuing this strategy. The success of the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows release is a significant factor in the decision-making process. Ubisoft reports that pre-orders for the game are progressing well.

This development unfolds amidst a fresh controversy surrounding the game in Japan. Kobe City Council and Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member, Takeshi Nagase, has publicly criticized Ubisoft's handling of religious themes in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Nagase objects to the game's depiction of the protagonist attacking monks in temples and shooting arrows at such buildings. He also expresses disapproval of the game's portrayal of Engyō-ji temple in Himeji, citing the protagonist's actions as disrespectful.