The planned release of Skull and Bones was apparently postponed again, as initial reports indicate. In addition, three previously unannounced projects by Ubisoft are said to have been scrapped again.
According to Stephen Totilo von Axios is the release of Skull and Bones is now planned for the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year, which can ultimately mean a few weeks. Finally, a beta test will soon take place, which implies that you want to take more time for the latest changes and feedback. However, the renewed postponement can also be due to the fact that one simply wants to see the title in the new financial year.
The current year is said to have been somewhat below expectations for Ubisoft, with fewer sales than hoped. As a result, the development budget has probably been reduced by 200 million and other things have been optimized, including no filling of vacancies.
In particular, the past Christmas business was probably not what one had hoped for. Still, sticking to the current plans and believing that live service games are what can lead to long-term success. There also seem to be new projects in progress in this area, which have yet to be announced and should then appear at some point. Ubisoft is currently putting a lot of focus on the Assassin’s Creedseries, for which several games will be released in the next few years. Furthermore, one would like to focus more on core brands such as Ghost Recon, Far Cry, Rainbow Six & Co. focus.
Apart from that, three other previously unannounced titles are said to have been scrapped, which may fall under the cost reduction mentioned. In total, Ubisoft has stopped seven projects since last year.
All the information is not official yet and has yet to be confirmed by Ubisoft. That should happen with the upcoming annual report this January.