Ubisofts 2008-2009 forecast nudges 1bn

Ubisoft has predicted that it will achieve a whopping €975 million in sales during fiscal year 2008-2009.

The forecast is driven by the release of four new brands in the period, including Tom Clancy’s EndWar, seven franchise releases including Brothers in Arms, Far Cry 2 and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell and new casual games in the Imagine, Petz and MyCoach series.

Meanwhile, the firm’s forecast for its current financial year has been significantly raised off the back of the stunning performance from new IP Assassin’s Creed.

The publisher’s sales target for 2007-08 has risen to more than €840 million, with around €410 million for the third quarter, versus previous forecasts of €825 million and €330 million respectively.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said: "With the exceptional performance of Assassin’s Creed, the fastest-selling new video game intellectual property in the US ever, Ubisoft’s teams have once again demonstrated their expertise in creating and promoting major brands.

These regular-sequel franchises are a source of very high profitability both in the short and long term. Drawing on its strong internal development capacities, Ubisoft is currently in an ideal position to continue to develop numerous new creations – an essential condition for winning market share and ensuring strong growth going forward.”

Ubisoft’s sales figures for its third-quarter in 2007-08 will be released on January 23rd, 2008.