Ubisoft has decided to switch up its game plan for 2023 due to underperformance in sales for major game titles. Surprisingly, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and the Just Dance franchises are at risk of cancelation as the company cracks down on expectations and finances going forward.
The tactical RPG Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope was predicted to be a great sequel to the franchise. It set a new bar for the series upon its release with a great reception from fans. Another installment of a classic franchise was Just Dance 2023 which was released in November 2022. However, it wasn’t received as well. Despite reception, it suffices to say that both franchises have become major gaming attractions for Ubisoft in recent years. Until the recent press release from the company shed a different light on the company’s overall situation.
Ubisoft’s press report mentioned that Skull and Bones has been delayed again and that there are three cancelations for unannounced games. The company states that these business decisions were due to “major challenges'' in the video game industry at the moment. Among the surprising revelations in the report was that critically-acclaimed Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023 underperformed in sales. The press report also made a point to emphasize Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope’s lack of sales at the end of 2022 and in January 2023 despite “an ambitious marketing plan.” The news is shocking considering how well-received the highly-anticipated sequel was.
Ubisoft was also upfront about the plan going forward. The company plans to scale back its financial resources on further developing upcoming premium and free-to-play content. Mario + Rabbids and the Just Dance franchises were not mentioned in the list of cutbacks, so that’s good news. However, the company does also plan to restructure its gaming plan.
The company’s press report is concerning, but it appears there’s a new plan in order that might save Ubisoft’s tactical Mario + Rabbids series and Just Dance franchise from the chopping block. Ubisoft also detailed that the business move is due to “major challenges as the industry continues to shift towards mega-brands and long-lasting titles than [sic] can reach players across the globe, across platforms and business models.”
At this point and time, it is unclear what will happen to the Mario + Rabbids and Just Dance franchises. The next fiscal year for the company looks promising for the company, with the upcoming release of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and a new Assassin’s Creed game on the horizon. The future releases will hopefully fare better for the company in the next fiscal year. Maybe the next press report for Ubisoft will hold better news on what fans can expect from their favorite Ubisoft games going forward, including Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and the Just Dance series.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: IGN
