In recent reports, it has been suggested that Microsoft may be considering a multiplatform approach for its games. While this potential move has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation, Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, believes it would have minimal impact on the overall gaming industry. In a Q&A session during Ubisoft’s third-quarter earnings call, Guillemot shared his thoughts on Microsoft’s rumored plans and their potential effect on Ubisoft’s business.
Although Guillemot could not provide any official comment or confirmation on the Microsoft reports, he acknowledged that it is ultimately Microsoft’s decision to make. He emphasized that Microsoft would choose what they believe is best for their own interests, including the possibility of publishing their first-party games on competing platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. However, Guillemot believes that this potential shift would not greatly impact Ubisoft or the gaming industry as a whole.
To support his viewpoint, Guillemot pointed out that the multiplatform approach is not new in the gaming industry. He mentioned Activision Blizzard as an example, a company that Microsoft recently acquired for a staggering $69 billion. Many of Activision Blizzard’s iconic franchises, such as Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch, have long been multiplatform. Therefore, Microsoft expanding its game library to other platforms would not bring about substantial changes.
While the overall impact may be limited, there are specific franchises associated with Xbox that could undergo significant changes. Games like Gears of War, the recently released Starfield, and upcoming titles such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which were previously exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC, might become available on competing platforms. However, the exact details of Microsoft’s plans remain shrouded in mystery for the time being.
Additional information regarding Microsoft’s future plans is expected to be unveiled in an upcoming “business update” focused on the “vision for the future of Xbox.” Fans and industry insiders eagerly await this announcement, hoping for insights into the company’s strategic direction and how it intends to reshape the gaming landscape.
Beyond the discussions surrounding Microsoft, Guillemot was asked to address Ubisoft’s lineup and its prospects when pitted against the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025. While Guillemot did not elaborate on any specific titles, he expressed confidence in Ubisoft’s ability to navigate the competitive landscape successfully. The company has a diverse portfolio and a proven track record of delivering acclaimed games across various genres. Guillemot remains optimistic about Ubisoft’s future performance despite the looming presence of Grand Theft Auto 6.
As rumors swirl about Microsoft’s potential multiplatform strategy, Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, maintains that such a move would not significantly impact the gaming industry. Guillemot references past precedents, like Activision Blizzard’s multiplatform approach, to support his viewpoint. While the details of Microsoft’s plans remain undisclosed, gamers and industry observers eagerly await the forthcoming “business update” that promises to shed light on Microsoft’s vision for the future of Xbox. Regardless of the outcome, Ubisoft remains confident in its ability to thrive amidst competition, including the highly-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025.
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