Ubisoft Hesitant To Comment on Software Sales For Next Gen Because Of Wii U Experience
During the first quarter 2014 earnings call, Ubisoft was asked about software attach rates for the next generation of consoles. The answer about PlayStation 4 and Xbox One was based on learning a tough lesson.
"We gave you a comment on Wii U last year and got it wrong," an Ubisoft representative admitted. Ubisoft has been vocal about its call for Nintendo to lower console prices and prime purchases with more titles.
A casualty of the Wii U's flagging performance was the timed exclusivity of Rayman Legends. It will now be a simultaneous multiplatform release arriving on September 3, 2013.
Our Take
Ubisoft went all-in on the Wii U and suffered for it. ZombiU, which received a range of critical response (including some very good reviews), sold poorly. It didn't break even and a sequel won't be coming. The tragedy is that ZombiU makes extremely smart use of the Wii U gamepad that should have been a guiding light for other developers.
Ubisoft's outspoken nature about the Wii U is worth noticing, because it is only a casual hint about conversations that are no doubt happening behind closed doors between the publisher and Nintendo.

Get the Game Informer Print Edition!
Explore your favorite games in premium print format, delivered to your door.
- 10 issues per year
- Only $4.80 per issue
- Full digital magazine archive access
- Since 1991