Ubisoft reports drop in sales

French publisher Ubisoft has reported sales of €661m for the nine months ending December 2009, a 22.5 per cent year-on-year decrease. Sales for its Q3 hit €495m, down just 2.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2008.

48 per cent of sales in the period came from the European market, with 44 per cent originating from North America. Both Xbox 360 and PS3 claimed 26 per cent of Ubisoft’s software sales, with Wii claiming 21 per cent and the DS 14 per cent.

PSP sales accounted for just four per cent of total sales and the PC six per cent.

The company was keen to stress its upcoming roster of online launches that includes Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms, Trackmania 2 and Imagine Town – a spin-off from its successful girl-focused DS software IP.

Ubisoft will also look to capitalise on the surprise success of Wii title Just Dance, though it reiterated its desire to distance itself from Nintendo’s DS – a platform it has struggled on in recent times.

Ubisoft continues to refocus its high-end games strategy by concentrating on more regular releases for its major franchises,” a statement read.

These refocusing measures also comprise a reduction in new creations investments, which will enable Ubisoft to rebalance its existing resources on a constant headcount basis. This strategy will provide heightened visibility and profitability with a lower level of risk.”

Releases due in the current quarter include the PC version of Assassin’s Creed 2, Wii shooter Red Steel 2 and PC duo The Settlers 7 and Silent Hunter 5. Q4 sales are expected to hit €200m.