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- Pixel P&L: Ubisoft Creates New Powerhouse Studio With Tencent Backing
Pixel P&L: Ubisoft Creates New Powerhouse Studio With Tencent Backing
AFK Gaming Editorial
March 31, 2025
In today’s edition of Pixel P&L, we cover Ubisoft ’s blockbuster partnership with Tencent , JetSynthesys Founder and CEO Rajan Navani’s remarks on the potential of India’s gaming market, Scopely ’s $1B marketing push behind Monopoly Go, the revival of Game Informer, and more from the gaming industry.
| Market/Asset Name | Current Value | Change (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▼ | BigBen Interactive (BIG.PA) | EUR 1.02 | -4.86% |
| ▼ | CMGE (0302.HK) | HKD 0.42 | -4.55% |
| ▼ | Pullup Entertainment Société anonyme (ALPUL.PA) | EUR 18.86 | -3.97% |
| ▲ | Unity Software Inc. (U) | USD 20.95 | 3.76% |
| ▼ | Zhejiang Jinke Tom Culture Industry Co., LTD. (300459.SZ) | CNY 5.57 | -3.63% |
Ubisoft Forms New Subsidiary With Tencent Backing to Reinvent Flagship Franchises
Ubisoft is creating a new subsidiary backed by Chinese tech giant Tencent, focused on transforming its flagship franchises—Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six—into evergreen, multi-platform ecosystems. Tencent will invest €1.16 billion (USD $1.25 billion) for a 25% stake, with the deal expected to close by the end of 2025. The unit will consolidate Ubisoft teams from Montreal, Quebec, Barcelona, and other key studios.
The new venture will push live-service elements, more frequent content drops, free-to-play touchpoints, and social features, while maintaining a commitment to narrative-driven solo experiences. The initiative follows several lackluster releases and declining profits, though recent success with Assassin’s Creed Shadows may have helped spark investor interest.
CEO Yves Guillemot called the move a “foundational step” in making Ubisoft more agile and focused. Notably, franchises like Prince of Persia and Just Dance were left out of the announcement, leaving their future direction unclear.
JetSynthesys CEO: India Could Claim 5% of Global Gaming Market by 2030
India could account for as much as 5% of the global video gaming market by the end of the decade, up from its current 2% share, according to JetSynthesys Founder and CEO Rajan Navani.
In an interview with The Hindu Business Line, Navani said sustained double-digit growth will be critical to achieving this target. “This timeline would also require high double-digit growth for the next 5–10 years,” he noted, adding that India is already seeing “40% year-on-year growth” in in-app purchases, though from a relatively small base.
Navani attributed India’s momentum to a combination of domestic game development and backend support for international titles. He emphasized that the country's large consumer base and accelerating digital adoption provide a strong foundation for future expansion.
Quick Bytes
Lumikai Co-Founder Justin Keeling Steps Down
Salone Sehgal, the fund’s other founding general partner, will continue to lead its efforts as India’s gaming sector gains global traction. Keeling has not announced his next move but said more details will follow.
Roblox Launches Rewarded Video Ads in Partnership With Google
It offers users in-game perks for watching 30-second ads inside immersive experiences. Brands can now purchase these programmatically via Roblox or Google’s Ad Manager.
Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 With $449.99 Price Tag
The updated console will launch on June 5 and will feature major upgrades to its screen and hardware capabilities. There will also be a camera add-on that allows players to video chat onscreen or put themselves in minigames.
Gamescom to Remain in Cologne
Koelnmesse and Game – The German Games Industry Association revealed the extension following Gamescom 2024, which drew 335,000 attendees from 120 countries. The 2025 event is scheduled for August 20-24.
⚔️Side Quest
Credits: Toonhole Chris
🎮 Play: Shogun Showdown, a sharp, stylish roguelike that’s easy to pick up, hard to master.
📖 Read: A great read on why classics deserve more than a facelift and a recycled name.
🧑🎓 Learn: How to learn?
💡Did You Know
Did you know about Nintendocore? It's a fusion genre that blends the raw energy of metalcore and post-hardcore with nostalgic chiptune and 8-bit video game sounds. Coined as a joke by Horse the Band, the term quickly caught on as more bands embraced and evolved the style. Expect screamed vocals, heavy riffs, glitchy synths, and melodies straight out of your favorite NES classics. Some bands cover retro soundtracks, while others write original songs inspired by video game themes and effects.
📜 Quote of the Day
“If you're not scared of death, how can you value life?”
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