Ubisoft CEO Predicts Game Streaming’s Future Following Microsoft Deal

Ubisoft’s recent agreement with Microsoft for cloud-streaming rights has sparked optimism from Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, who likened the trajectory of game streaming to Netflix’s evolution in the world of film and television.

Guillemot highlighted how Netflix initially faced criticism and share price drops when they ventured into streaming. However, over time, they transformed into an industry giant. Guillemot believes that a similar transformation is possible for the gaming industry.

He stated, “It’s going to be the same with video games, but it will take time. But when it takes off, it will happen very quickly.”

Looking ahead, Guillemot envisions that within the next 5-10 years, approximately from 2028 to 2033, many games will be streamed and produced in the cloud. This vision led Ubisoft to collaborate with Microsoft.

Ubisoft’s partnership with Microsoft grants them non-exclusive cloud streaming rights for games like Call of Duty and all other Activision Blizzard titles for the next 15 years. Ubisoft offers its game-streaming service, Ubisoft+ Cloud Gaming, starting at $18 per month.

The gaming industry as a whole is increasingly investing in cloud gaming. Microsoft, for instance, provides its cloud streaming service, allowing players to enjoy titles like Starfield on their mobile devices. Sony also offers cloud-based game streaming, recently expanding to include PS5 games. Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service is another significant player in the space.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially raised concerns about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, fearing exclusivity to Microsoft’s cloud streaming services. However, Microsoft assured that this wouldn’t be the case, and the CMA provisionally approved the deal.

Moreover, Ubisoft unveiled “Scalar,” a cloud-powered game development technology in 2022. Scalar aims to enable developers to create expansive and limitless game worlds. Ubisoft anticipates that Scalar could revolutionize the future of game development, with some teams already utilizing the technology for game creation.

As the gaming industry continues to embrace cloud gaming and innovative technologies, Ubisoft’s collaboration with Microsoft reflects the growing importance of streaming in the future of gaming.

Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, has made significant statements about the future of game streaming following the company’s recent collaboration with Microsoft. Drawing parallels with Netflix’s journey in the film and television industry, Guillemot emphasized that game streaming might initially face challenges but could evolve rapidly once it gains momentum.

Guillemot noted how Netflix initially faced criticism and a decline in share prices when it ventured into streaming. However, the streaming giant eventually transformed into a dominant force in the entertainment industry. Guillemot believes that the gaming industry can follow a similar trajectory.

He stated, “It’s going to be the same with video games, but it will take time. But when it takes off, it will happen very quickly.”

Looking ahead, Guillemot envisions that within the next 5-10 years, around 2028 to 2033, many games will be streamed and produced in the cloud. This vision led Ubisoft to collaborate with Microsoft.

Ubisoft’s partnership with Microsoft grants them non-exclusive cloud streaming rights for games like Call of Duty and all other Activision Blizzard titles for the next 15 years. Ubisoft offers its game-streaming service, Ubisoft+ Cloud Gaming, starting at $18 per month.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially raised concerns about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, fearing exclusivity to Microsoft’s cloud streaming services. However, Microsoft assured that this wouldn’t be the case, and the CMA provisionally approved the deal.

Moreover, Ubisoft unveiled “Scalar,” a cloud-powered game development technology in 2022. Scalar aims to enable developers to create expansive and limitless game worlds. Ubisoft anticipates that Scalar could revolutionize the future of game development, with some teams already utilizing the technology for game creation.