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

Ubisoft is exploring a potential spin-off company to attract investors, focusing on key franchises like Assassin's Creed. Bloomberg reports negotiations are underway with potential investors, including Tencent and various international and French funds, aiming for a market valuation exceeding Ubisoft's current $1.8 billion capitalization. However, this is still under discussion, and a final decision remains pending. The success of the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows release is a crucial factor; Ubisoft reports positive pre-order progress.

This development unfolds amidst a fresh controversy in Japan. Kobe City Council and Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member Takeshi Nagase criticizes Ubisoft's handling of religious themes in Shadows. Nagase objects to the protagonist's ability to attack monks and temples, specifically citing the portrayal of Engyō-ji temple in Himeji, where he claims the protagonist "enters with dirty shoes and destroys the sacred mirror."