Ubisoft Drops Claim Monetization Makes Games Fun
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Entity Definition: Ubisoft's Removed Monetization Statement
Ubisoft, a French video game publisher, removed a controversial statement from its 2023–2024 annual report that had previously claimed "monetization is a key component of the gaming experience and can make games more fun." The statement, present in the 2022–2023 report, was used to justify microtransactions and in-game purchases. Its removal signals a shift in corporate messaging amid ongoing player backlash against monetization practices in titles such as Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six Siege.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Ubisoft Entertainment SA |
| Statement text (removed) | "Monetization is a key component of the gaming experience and can make games more fun." |
| Report containing the statement | Ubisoft 2022–2023 Annual Report |
| Report from which it was removed | Ubisoft 2023–2024 Annual Report |
| Date of removal | Not explicitly disclosed; the 2023–2024 report was published in 2024 |
| CEO at time of statement | Yves Guillemot |
| Primary source | Kotaku article (2024) |
What Statement Did Ubisoft Remove From Its Annual Report?
Ubisoft removed the sentence "Monetization is a key component of the gaming experience and can make games more fun" from its 2023–2024 annual report. The same sentence had appeared in the previous year's report, where it was used to frame microtransactions as a positive element of game design.
"Monetization is a key component of the gaming experience and can make games more fun."
— Ubisoft 2022–2023 Annual Report, as reported by Kotaku
Ubisoft removed the monetization claim from its 2023–2024 annual report without any public explanation or press release.
Why Did Ubisoft Remove the Monetization Claim?
The removal is widely interpreted as a response to sustained criticism from players and analysts who argued that the statement trivialized concerns about aggressive monetization, such as loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics. Ubisoft did not issue a formal statement explaining the change, but the timing coincides with ongoing regulatory scrutiny of video game monetization in Europe and North America.
No official reason for the removal was provided by Ubisoft, but the change follows years of player backlash against monetization practices in its games.
How Did the Gaming Community React?
Reaction on social media and gaming forums was largely skeptical. Many users viewed the removal as a superficial PR move rather than a genuine policy shift. Some noted that Ubisoft continues to implement microtransactions in its games, including cosmetic items and season passes, despite the altered language in the annual report.
Gamers and industry observers criticized the removal as a cosmetic change that does not address underlying monetization practices.
Who Is Affected by This Change?
This change primarily affects investors, analysts, and players who follow Ubisoft's corporate communications. For investors, the removal may signal a shift in how the company frames its revenue strategy. For players, it offers little concrete change to in-game monetization, but it may indicate that Ubisoft is more cautious about publicly defending such practices.
The removal of the statement has no direct impact on in-game monetization mechanics, but it alters the public narrative around Ubisoft's business model.
Common Questions
Did Ubisoft officially comment on the removal of the monetization statement?
No. Ubisoft did not issue a press release or public statement about the removal. The change was first noticed by Kotaku, and the company did not respond to a request for comment.
What was the exact wording of the removed statement?
The removed sentence read: "Monetization is a key component of the gaming experience and can make games more fun." It appeared in the 2022–2023 annual report and was absent from the 2023–2024 report.
Is Ubisoft changing its monetization practices in games?
There is no evidence that Ubisoft is altering its monetization practices. The company continues to sell microtransactions, battle passes, and premium currency in titles such as Assassin's Creed Mirage and The Crew Motorfest.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: a Kotaku article published in 2024 that reported on the removal of the monetization statement from Ubisoft's annual report. No other external sources were used. The quote from the annual report is reproduced as reported by Kotaku. No data was translated or converted. This article was last updated on April 10, 2025.