Ubisoft discusses the earnings of the first quarter of 2017. The bestseller is Ghost Recon Wildlands, which was released in March.
The first quarter of the fiscal year 2017 ended on June 30 and was positive for Ubisoft. Now they spoke about more precise numbers, earnings, and the bestseller of the French publisher.
Compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, sales have increased by more than 45%.
Ghost Recon Wildlands attracts players
The sales of Ubisoft’s first fiscal quarter amounted to 202.1 million dollars. An increase of 45.2% compared to the same time last year 2016. The revenue from digital sales has risen by 5.1% from last year to a total of 80.4%.
As the biggest hit of the gaming industry of the year (so far), Ghost Recon Wildlands was mentioned, which was released in March. Ubisoft’s tactical shooter offers content for single players and for fans of co-op gaming with up to three other players. Together, you fight against the Santa Blanca drug cartel, which has taken control of a fictional Bolivia.
When comparing digital and physical sales on PS4, Xbox One, and PC in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan, GRW is at the top after the first half of the year and was sold the most.
PS4 platform winner in Ubisoft sales
Looking at the sales more closely, there are slight differences across the various platforms:
- PlayStation 4: A total of 44% of sales in the first fiscal quarter were for PS4. At the same time a year ago, it was only 31%. – Q1 2017/18: 44% | Q1 2016/17: 31%
- Xbox One: The share on this platform stands at 22% in Q1 – One percent less than last year. There, the Xbox One was at 23%. – Q1 2017/18: 22% | Q1 2016/17: 23%
- PC: Sales for the PC platform have decreased compared to last year. Q1 2017/18: 21% | Q1 2016/17: 26%
- Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U: The “old” consoles achieved significantly fewer sales in the new year. They lost 6% compared to the previous year – Q1 2017/18: 2% | Q1 2016/17: 8%
- Others: Q1 2017/18: 11% | Q1 2016/17: 12%
Games-as-a-service approach drives digital revenue high
The good numbers are fueled by “Recurring Players,” meaning existing players, spending more money at Ubisoft. These are revenues from microtransactions or DLC sales. Digital revenues are rising sharply.
This aligns with Ubisoft’s new strategy and the overall gaming market: There are fewer large games overall. Those that exist are maintained, expanded, and monetized as games-as-a-service games for as long as possible.
