Ubisoft is still likely to end up in the fire of a lively controversy following a declaration on another particularly sensitive subject for players.
Since last year, Ubisoft crosses a particularly complicated period, to the point of having concluded an investment agreement with the Chinese giant Tencent To stay afloat. In parallel, the French group has been the subject of numerous controversies, in particular with regard to a big matter of harassment internally; clumsy communication aroundAssassin’s Creed Shadows ; or a position strongly criticized around the physical games. Recently, the French giant has split another declaration which may displease many players.
A new declaration on a very slippery ground on the part of Ubisoft
Ubisoft recently published a 400 -page document acting as ” Universal recording document And Annual financial report. A properly massive report, rich in information on the backstage of the French giant. We discover in particular the opening of the famous subsidiary aimed at bringing together its most lucrative licenses. One element in particular, however, has caused a lot of ink to flow from those who peel it, relating to the ” strategy and business model »From the French giant, on the tenth page of the document.
This opens the subject in these terms: ” Ubisoft is a leader in the video game industry, which stands out for a unique production organization ». Further on, this part is attacking a particularly sensitive subject these days: monetization of video games. “” Our monetization policy aims to respect the players’ experience. Our golden rule for premium games is to allow players to take full advantage of a game without having to spend more money. The offer of monetization in these titles only makes the experience more fun by allowing them to personalize their avatars or progress more quickly ».
On page 135 of the document shared by Ubisoft, return on monetization with the following declaration: ” The safety and well-being of our players is our top priority. We do everything in our power for this by offering healthy game environment and guaranteeing responsible monetization mechanics, with a view to offering fun, immersive and engaging game experiences ».
Words that make a legitimate controversy again?
These parts of the Ubisoft document refers to microtransactions in premium games such as recent assassin’s Creed, where it is possible to buy otherwise inaccessible weapons and armor, as well as means of accelerating progression via experienced or additional resources. Elements that had caused strong controversies when they arrived, moreover on full pot paid games. The players who read the document were thus rebellious, strongly criticizing the group which indicates that such microtransactions ” Make the gaming experience more funny », Without more context.
Note however that said microtransactions are, as the Ubisoft document, purely optional, specifies, and do not alter the experience beyond measure for those allergic to such elements. It is certainly harmful to add them to already dear games, especially taking into account Deluxe or Premium editions sold at particularly salty prices. On this point, Ubisoft unfortunately only follows a trend that has gradually interfered within the AAA game industry (A?), As for example Diablo 4 With his cosmetics shop with very high prices, but also a Battle Pass system, for an also premium game.
Source : Ubisoft
