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Does Ubisoft care about innovation or about their profits?

By on April 10, 2011

This generation of consoles is the longest so far and we’re quite surprised that both MS and Sony haven’t revealed any new info about their next generation consoles. There is a need for a next generation. After all, this is what most of developers are looking forward to. Epic Games and Crytek are eager to push the limits of the next generation systems and Ubisoft’s CEO admitted that the industry needs indeed new consoles.

“Yes, the accessories and handhelds are really good, but I think it would be great for the industry to take advantage of technological advancements,” said Yves Guillemot to MCV when asked whether he believes the industry needs a new set of consoles and continued. “This is why the industry is in depression. Consumers like the current formats, but there is not enough creativity at the end of a cycle to really spark the business.”

“Processors are more and more powerful, graphics cards have moved on, there are many technologies that would help us deliver a better experience and help the industry to grow.”

The funny thing here is that Ubisoft isn’t taking advantage of all those powerful processors and graphics cards of the PC’s. If Ubisoft wants innovation, they can develop an innovating PC title that will support next-generation features. If Ubisoft cared about innovation and creativity instead of increasing their profits, they wouldn’t keep waiting for those next-generation consoles. Indie developers have shown after all that creativity isn’t restrained by this current generation.

Keep also in mind that Ubisoft’s FY2010 figures were quite disappointing. According to Guillemot, there was a slowdown in the market and it did put pressure on all publishers. The market fell and went from plus 25 per cent to minus 10 per cent.

What seems pretty obvious right now, is that Ubisoft needs a new generation of consoles to push forward new IP’s with better graphics. How come Ubisoft can’t be innovative with this generation of consoles and PC’s? And this questions goes to all major publishers and developers. How come each and every one developer claims that their highest priority is to offer innovative gameplay when they’re simply copying COD’s or WoW’s formulaic gameplay mechanics? How come Resident Evil became from a horror game to an action one? How come there are so many mainstream reboots of all major franchises? How come we see innovation only from indie developers?

In other words, there is some truth to Guillemot’s words but Ubisoft’s highest priority is not innovation. As most publishers, they simply want some new consoles to sell more units of their games and push forward new IP’s that are far from innovative. Plain and simple!

 

About David Scarpitta

I am a critical guy, and love to review and give my professional opinion on just about anything. Though have a love for tech/gaming and music alongside the cinema. You can catch me consulting and developing the net any day of the week.
  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Oliver-Riprie/100000847888716 Oliver Riprie

    I’m not sure what you are saying. Ubisoft is trying to please their consumers with high quality sequels like Conviction and the last AC games were. They were touching the market with RTS game Ruse and who knows what they are working on now. Also they are working on the new improved “rebooted”, if I may say, Ghost Recon. E3 is around the corner by my timetable. All the developers in all the companies have probably chained to their desks so I can see quite big future in gaming after E3. Hell IOI seems to be teasing Hitman Fans with something but don’t say anything.