Ubisoft, the French gaming giant known for titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, announced on Thursday the formation of a €4 billion subsidiary, backed by a €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion) investment from Chinese tech powerhouse Tencent.
The new entity will consolidate Ubisoft’s most iconic franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, along with the development teams behind them based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia. It will also manage all back-catalog titles and future game projects related to those IPs.
Ubisoft said the move aims to “crystallize the value” of its blockbuster brands while enhancing operational flexibility and securing long-term growth. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025.
Strategic Shift and Tencent’s Role
Tencent will become a minority investor in the new subsidiary, deepening its relationship with Ubisoft after previously becoming a significant shareholder in 2022.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot framed the move as part of a broader company transformation:
“We are creating the best conditions for these franchises’ long-term growth and success… This is a foundational step in changing Ubisoft’s operating model to be both agile and ambitious.”
Guillemot emphasized Ubisoft’s goal of evolving its strongest titles into evergreen game platforms that can continuously generate engagement and revenue.
Tencent President Martin Lau echoed the sentiment, praising the franchises’ “immense potential” and expressing confidence in their expansion into next-generation technologies and live service models.
Market Impact
Ubisoft shares had already risen in mid-March following Bloomberg’s report that the company was seeking investors for the new entity. This official announcement confirms Tencent’s participation, highlighting its continued interest in expanding gaming partnerships outside China.
The restructuring also signals Ubisoft’s commitment to a leaner, franchise-focused organization—streamlining operations while enabling major studios to independently grow flagship titles under a new, financially fortified structure.
