Vivendi isn’t a name that’s unfamiliar in the sphere of gaming. The French Mass Media company bought the controlling stake in Activision Blizzard back in 2007, and essentially controlled the publisher up until 2012. It was then that Vivendi sold their controlling stake and retained just 12%, effectively keeping them out of the videogame industry. Last week that changed for the first time in three years, and Ubisoft is feeling a little threatened.
Vivendi, in a surprise move, purchased 6% of shares in both Ubisoft and mobile developer Gameloft, and it’s the president of the former that has taken a bit of issue with it. In an internal email obtained by GamesIndustry.biz, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed his distress at the acquisition and vowed to fight for Ubisoft’s independence if it ever came to it.
“Our intention is and has always been to remain independent, a value which, for 30 years, has allowed us to innovate, take risks, create beloved franchises for players around the world, and which has helped the company grow into the leader it is today.
We’re going to fight to preserve our independence. We should not let this situation – nor any future actions by Vivendi or others – distract us from our goals. Our best defence is to stay focused on what we have always done best – deliver the most original and memorable gaming experiences.”
Guillemot clarified his fear of Vivendi in another email, saying their potential takeover would put Ubisoft in the hands of “people who don’t understand our expertise and what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
It makes sense as to why Vivendi is suddenly interested in Ubisoft, what with the developer/publisher aiming to release not only a brand new IP in the form of For Honor, but also a reboot of sorts to the Ghost Recon franchise. Add to that the annual Assassin’s Creed titles, the upcoming Far Cry spinoff and The Division, and you’ve got an impressive looking portfolio that seems to scream profits.
But it’s apparent that Guillemot will try and prevent a takeover like this as much as he can. Even if at the end of the day there isn’t much he can do to prevent the sale of public shares.
Last Updated: October 22, 2015
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 11:36
Well, he’s right about taking risks. They made Uplay
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 11:42
Oh snap
Hammersteyn
October 22, 2015 at 11:42
“people who don’t understand our expertise and what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
Yet while the whole world complains about Uplay Yves simply ignores them?
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 11:43
Don’t forget the NoWorkyDay1Games
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 11:43
He understands what he does and the business he’s in, he just has no clue about his customers and market.
Dutch Matrix
October 22, 2015 at 12:23
He is aiming for a job in South African government
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 11:42
Crouching Vivendi. Hidden Ubisoft
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 11:43
[cricket noises]
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 11:43
It wasn’t THAT bad 0_0
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 11:47
You have my upvote. 🙂
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 11:49
Thank you 🙂
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 11:52
I’d give it a 7 out of 77
Hammersteyn
October 22, 2015 at 11:53
LOL
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 12:22
eish
Hammersteyn
October 22, 2015 at 11:53
http://www.starburstmagazine.com/images/june2015/stars/7stars.jpg
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 12:00
xD
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 12:22
Guyz
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 11:47
Sure, the gaming industry does have a certain CREED. And you need to be part of THE CREW to really understand it. There’s always going to be a DIVISION in opinions about Ubisoft though. Just WATCH Uplay, it’s a client for the DOGS. But what they’ve been doing lately is a FAR CRY from what they should be doing and where other companies are getting it right.
Raptor Rants
October 22, 2015 at 11:48
This made my day
Galbedir
October 22, 2015 at 11:49
*Slow clap* Bravo!
RinceThis
October 22, 2015 at 12:18
Trying too damn hard!
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 12:32
Well it wouldn’t be a joke from me if it wasn’t super lame.
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 12:33
Handbag-man
Commander JJ of the Normandy
October 22, 2015 at 14:36
Hey :/
oVg
October 22, 2015 at 12:24
I see what U did there 😉
RinceThis
October 22, 2015 at 12:30
Oh U!
Allykhat
October 22, 2015 at 11:49
Ubisoft and Innovate in the same Article? I got a bit dizzy for a second there….
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 11:53
So all it takes for you to comment again is some free things?
Allykhat
October 22, 2015 at 12:00
Pfft…
I do feel bad for being a lurker so I’m making an effort! BUT:
😛
Hammersteyn
October 22, 2015 at 11:54
It’s that wrist blade. Loosen it a bit, it’s cutting of you circulation
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 12:00
Hahaha
Allykhat
October 22, 2015 at 12:01
Hahaha, this post WINS
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 12:03
At least he has it on….THE RIGHT WAY!
Dutch Matrix
October 22, 2015 at 12:18
It’s right to wear a wrist blade around your neck????
Brady miaau
October 22, 2015 at 12:23
A witchblade wrist blade? Or what?
Grand Admiral Chief
October 22, 2015 at 12:26
Inside joke, ask Hammersteyn
Hammersteyn
October 22, 2015 at 13:21
Luckily I didn’t win a firearm O_o
Kromas untamed
October 22, 2015 at 14:06
Who else is rooting for Vivendi to buy Ubisoft?