In a recent interview, Ubisoft’s Director of Subscriptions, Philippe Tremblay, discussed the company’s shift towards subscription-based gaming and the evolving concept of game ownership. Ubisoft has rebranded its primary subscription service as Ubisoft+ Premium, offering day-one access to new releases, including titles like “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” for $17.99 per month on platforms such as PC, Xbox, and Amazon Luna. Additionally, Ubisoft+ Classics provides access to a curated selection of back-catalog games for $7.99 monthly.
Tremblay acknowledged that gamers have traditionally preferred owning physical copies of their games, drawing parallels to the earlier consumer shift from owning CDs and DVDs to embracing digital media. He noted that this transition has been slower in the gaming industry but emphasized that as players become more comfortable with digital ownership, concerns about losing game progress or engagement diminish. He stated, “As gamers grow comfortable in that aspect… you don’t lose your progress. If you resume your game at another time, your progress file is still there.”
While Ubisoft continues to offer traditional game purchases, the company recognizes the growing potential of subscription-based models. Tremblay highlighted that some consumers who previously preferred buying individual games are now opting for subscription services, reflecting a broader industry trend.
This strategic move aligns with the increasing digitalization of the gaming market, where a significant portion of revenue is generated through digital purchases, subscriptions, downloadable content, and microtransactions. Ubisoft’s approach aims to adapt to these changing consumer behaviors by providing flexible options that cater to diverse player preferences.
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