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Ubisoft will fight for their independence from encroaching Vivendi

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Yves Guillemot ready to fight for Ubisoft's independance

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

38 Comments

  1. Well, he’s right about taking risks. They made Uplay

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief

      October 22, 2015 at 11:42

      Oh snap

      Reply

  2. 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?

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief

      October 22, 2015 at 11:43

      Don’t forget the NoWorkyDay1Games

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      October 22, 2015 at 12:23

      He is aiming for a job in South African government

      Reply

  3. Raptor Rants

    October 22, 2015 at 11:42

    Crouching Vivendi. Hidden Ubisoft

    Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

    • Raptor Rants

      October 22, 2015 at 11:48

      This made my day

      Reply

    • Galbedir

      October 22, 2015 at 11:49

      *Slow clap* Bravo!

      Reply

    • RinceThis

      October 22, 2015 at 12:18

      Trying too damn hard!

      Reply

      • 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.

        Reply

        • Grand Admiral Chief

          October 22, 2015 at 12:33

          Handbag-man

          Reply

          • 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 😉

      Reply

  5. Allykhat

    October 22, 2015 at 11:49

    Ubisoft and Innovate in the same Article? I got a bit dizzy for a second there….

    Reply

    • Grand Admiral Chief

      October 22, 2015 at 11:53

      So all it takes for you to comment again is some free things?

      Reply

      • Allykhat

        October 22, 2015 at 12:00

        Pfft…

        I do feel bad for being a lurker so I’m making an effort! BUT:

        😛

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      October 22, 2015 at 11:54

      It’s that wrist blade. Loosen it a bit, it’s cutting of you circulation

      Reply

      • Grand Admiral Chief

        October 22, 2015 at 12:00

        Hahaha

        Reply

      • Allykhat

        October 22, 2015 at 12:01

        Hahaha, this post WINS

        Reply

      • Grand Admiral Chief

        October 22, 2015 at 12:03

        At least he has it on….THE RIGHT WAY!

        Reply

        • Dutch Matrix

          October 22, 2015 at 12:18

          It’s right to wear a wrist blade around your neck????

          Reply

          • 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

          Reply

  6. Kromas untamed

    October 22, 2015 at 14:06

    Who else is rooting for Vivendi to buy Ubisoft?

    Reply

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