Ubisoft Third-Quarter 2018-19 Sales

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
Ubisoft achieved €1,351.9 million in net bookings for the first nine months of fiscal 2018-19, a 13.5% year-over-year increase, while maintaining a full-year target of approximately €2,050 million.See it on page 3
02
Digital net bookings grew 33.9% to €897.8 million over the nine-month period, now representing 66.4% of the company's total net bookings.See it on page 1
03
Back-catalog net bookings surged 38.6% and Player Recurring Investment (PRI) grew 38.9%, driven by sustained engagement in established titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Far Cry 5.See it on page 1
04
Platform diversification showed strong results, with PC net bookings increasing by 58.1% and mobile net bookings rising by 77.6% over the nine-month period.See it on page 6
05
The Tom Clancy brand reached over 70 million unique players, supported by a 205% increase in Rainbow Six Siege esports viewership.See it on page 1
06
Strategic operational investments include the acquisition of i3D.net to bolster online infrastructure and new distribution partnerships with the Epic Games store.See it on page 4

Summary

Ubisoft’s third-quarter fiscal 2018-19 sales report highlights a period of resilient performance within a highly competitive market. The company achieved net bookings of €605.8 million for the quarter, aligning with internal targets despite a 16.4% year-over-year decline. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, net bookings reached €1,351.9 million, representing a 13.5% increase. These results underscore the growing strategic value of the company’s intellectual property and its successful transition toward a more recurring, digital-first business model.

Key performance drivers include significant growth in digital and back-catalog engagement. Digital net bookings rose 33.9% to €897.8 million over the nine-month period, now accounting for 66.4% of total net bookings. Player Recurring Investment (PRI) grew by 38.9%, while back-catalog net bookings surged 38.6%, reflecting sustained interest in established titles. Notably, PC and mobile platforms saw substantial growth, with net bookings increasing by 58.1% and 77.6% respectively. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Far Cry 5 were identified as top-performing titles, while the Tom Clancy brand surpassed 70 million unique players, bolstered by a 205% increase in Rainbow Six Siege esports viewership.

The company maintains its full-year 2018-19 financial targets, projecting net bookings of approximately €2,050 million. Strategic initiatives, such as the acquisition of i3D.net to enhance online infrastructure and partnerships with the Epic Games store, are intended to strengthen long-term operational capabilities. By leveraging its portfolio of brands across diverse platforms and geographic regions, the company aims to capitalize on emerging industry trends, including the expansion of the Asian market, streaming technology, and artificial intelligence, to drive future profitability.