Ubisoft Calls Gen AI ‘New 3D’ Revolution, Confirms Neo - NPCs

In a pivotal moment for the gaming giant, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has officially declared generative artificial intelligence (AI), a technological revolution comparable to the industry's historic shift from 2D to 3D graphics. This major strategic announcement came during the company’s investor call on Friday, which was delayed by a week following a last-minute cancellation sparked by wild rumours of a company sale. 

Ubisoft clarified that the delay was simply due to the hiring of new auditors over the summer, dispelling speculation about a total buyout. Despite a volatile year marked by stock suspensions and internal auditing shifts, the publisher reported better-than-expected results for the first half of the fiscal year, largely fueled by the commercial performance of Assassin's Creed Shadows and a massive new investment from Tencent.

Generative AI and 'Neo-NPCs' Enter Production

Guillemot emphasized that Ubisoft is moving aggressively beyond the experimental phase of AI, integrating the technology across all production teams to enhance programming, art assets, and overall game quality. A key focus of this initiative is the creation of "Neo-NPCs," a new class of non-player characters capable of spontaneous, unscripted conversations that promise to make game worlds significantly more reactive. 

While the CEO acknowledged the polarized public reception to AI—citing recent controversies involving Anno 117: Pax Romana, Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and Krafton’s Subnautica 2—he insisted that Ubisoft is positioned to lead this technological front. Guillemot promised that these tools are now in active production rather than just prototyping, with more specific features to be revealed before the end of the year.

Tencent Secures Minority Stake in Vantage Studios

The financial stability of the publisher has been significantly bolstered by a confirmed strategic partnership with Tencent. The Chinese tech giant is investing approximately $1.25 billion to acquire a minority stake in Vantage Studios. It will be a new subsidiary that will house flagship intellectual properties like Assassin's Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry. 

The earnings call provided a detailed, albeit mixed, picture of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Ubisoft officially described Assassin's Creed Shadows as a "great success," noting it achieved the second-highest launch revenue in the franchise's history and set a new record for Day-1 sales on the PlayStation Store. 

Furthermore, the launch of the Valley of Memory expansion proved instrumental in propelling Assassin's Creed Mirage past the 10 million player milestone. Meanwhile, Rainbow Six Siege remains a top performer despite facing recent headwinds. According to reports, a spike in cheating caused a dip in player numbers, but the game still saw a significant surge in engagement over the summer. The company has also confirmed it has a robust plan in place to address these integrity issues.

Looking toward the future, Ubisoft outlined a roadmap for the first quarter of 2026 that includes Rainbow Six Siege Mobile, The Division Resurgence, the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, and another unannounced title. This mystery game has fueled intense speculation. Matt Ryan, the voice actor for Edward Kenway, teased an Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake at a fan convention earlier this year, leading many to hope this is the secret project. 

Simultaneously, alleged leaks of Far Cry 7 have hinted at a North Korean setting and an in-game timer, though rumors of actor Cillian Murphy playing the villain were denied.

The report concluded with a sobering look at broader market trends, noting a sharp 35% decline in physical game sales in the UK alone over the last fiscal year. The publisher warned that new titles are struggling to compete in an oversaturated market where players increasingly prefer subscription services and long-running "forever games".