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Watch Dogs Leads Strong First Quarter For Ubisoft
Ubisoft today released its first quarter earnings for fiscal-year 2014-2015 and things are looking good. The publisher brought in €360 million in sales ($489.4 million) compared to €76 million ($103.3 million) in the same timeframe last year. This surpasses Ubisoft's target for the quarter of €310 million ($421.6 million) by €50 million ($68 million).
Most of this success is due to Watch Dogs, which Ubisoft says sold (correction: shipped) over 8 million units. Unsurprisingly, it looks like there will be more games in the series. "Watch Dogs is now well positioned as a major franchise and we will be able to replicate and build on its success in the coming years," says CEO Yves Guillemot in a statement. A decent chunk of these sales came through digital, contributing to a 149-percent growth in Ubisoft's digital sales from the same time last year. The publisher also credits mobile games, Trials Fusion, Child of Light, and Valiant Hearts The Great War for the bump.
Ubisoft's projections for the second quarter aren't as red hot. The publisher expects around €85 million ($115.6 million), down 61-percent compared to the same time last year. Full-year targets will remain the same with sales at €1,400 million ($1,903 million) and operating income at €150 million ($204 million). Big projects still to come this fiscal year are Far Cry 4, Assassin's Creed Unity, and The Crew.
Our Take:
Watch Dogs had a lot of momentum behind it, but you can never be too sure about big sales with a new IP. Fortunately for Ubisoft, the game's delay out of holiday 2013 didn't seem to hurt it. It's also heartening to know that the series will continue on. I enjoyed the game, but certain things could have been better. Hopefully, the impending sequel will smooth out the rough edges. Looking forward to it!
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