Ubisoft reveals that it could delay one of its big game releases if COVID-19 affects its development. Ubisoft's development teams, like those as Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt RED, have found themselves having to work from home as countries around the world report more cases of the illness.
In a new financial report, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot featured a range of financial targets for the company to present its "estimate of the impact that these external factors could have if they were to actually materialize." The biggest of these external pressures is COVID-19, which has changed how the company makes games. Guillemot said that the range of targets "reflects the possibility that we decide to postpone the release of a AAA title to 2021-22, if it ensures to maximize the long-term potential of our line-up."
It's unclear what all of Ubisoft's planned AAA titles are. In the same financial report, the company confirmed that it plans to release five AAA titles, but one is an unannounced game in one of its series. Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs Legion have been confirmed as two of the titles, leaving fans wondering if this unannounced game could be a new Splinter Cell or Prince of Persia.
Delays are nothing new — Ubisoft delayed Watch Dogs Legion to the next financial year, and the game doesn't have a new release date, though it is rumored to be a PS5 and Xbox Series X launch title. Fans have also been waiting several years for a new Splinter Cell or Prince of Persia and will not want to wait longer to play.
Ubisoft is likely to announce this last game and reveal any delay plans in its Ubisoft Forward event in July. The event, which is taking place as E3 2020 has been canceled, is expected to feature new game announcements and gameplay trailers for all of the company's biggest titles.
Fans may be frustrated in having to wait for more information about Ubisoft's plans but it could be something that they have to get accustomed to. Xbox boss Phil Spencer expects game development to be more affected in 2021 than 2020 suggesting that working from home is having a huge effect on development. Many developers and publishers haven't finished working out their plans but if it means that developers are able to stay safe, it's difficult to be so upset about release dates.