Ubisoft has removed a statement from its latest annual report that claimed monetization features, such as microtransactions, could make games "more fun" for players. The assertion, which drew criticism and online mockery last year, previously stated, "Our monetization offer within premium games makes the player experience more fun by allowing them to personalize their avatars or progress more quickly."
These annual reports are distributed to investors and management, and while dense with financial data, they often include updated information on company strategy and outlook. Changes or omissions from previous reports can indicate shifts in focus or responses to public sentiment. The line about expedited progress being "more fun" has been entirely erased, with the report moving on to other topics like leveraging AI for creative enhancement and challenges associated with long development cycles.
The practice of using in-game purchases to speed up progress or customize cosmetic elements has become increasingly common, particularly in free-to-play and mobile titles, but has also found its way into full-priced games. This trend has drawn scrutiny not only from players but also from lawmakers globally who are examining whether such purchases constitute a form of gambling.
Beyond monetization, the report also addresses concerns regarding the prolonged development cycles of games. A previous report had expressed worry about games launching in an unfinished state. However, Ubisoft's current challenges include projects like Skull and Bones, which experienced a decade-long development, and the Prince of Persia remake, which was eventually scrapped after years of uncertainty. The long-anticipated Beyond Good & Evil 2 also remains in development hell, raising concerns about its eventual release and audience retention. The report highlights that these extended cycles can diminish player hype and allow competitors to gain an advantage. Additionally, the report notes a four percent decrease in average worker pay and a drop in the proportion of workers under the age of 30.