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Company focus

Ubisoft
Product Trade-Off Medium Member-only

Should Ubisoft prioritize more frequent updates for Assassin's Creed Valhalla or focus on developing new content for the next franchise installment?

Prepared by NextSprints

15 mins
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Strategic Planning Resource Management Data Analysis Gaming Entertainment Software Development Product Strategy Resource Allocation Game Development Franchise Management
Product Management Trade-Off Question: Balancing game updates with new content development for Assassin's Creed

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is whether Ubisoft should prioritize more frequent updates for Assassin's Creed Valhalla or focus on developing new content for the next franchise installment. This decision involves balancing short-term engagement with long-term franchise growth. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining product understanding, stakeholder impacts, metrics, experimentation, and decision frameworks.

Analysis Approach

I'll start by asking clarifying questions, then dive into a structured analysis of the trade-off, considering both short-term and long-term implications for Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed franchise.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

  • Based on recent sales data, I'm thinking Valhalla might still be a significant revenue driver. Could you share how Valhalla's current performance compares to previous titles at this stage in their lifecycle?

Why it matters: Helps assess the potential impact of continued updates on revenue. Expected answer: Valhalla is performing above average for the franchise. Impact on approach: Strong performance would lean towards more updates for Valhalla.

  • Considering user engagement trends, I'm curious about player retention for Valhalla. What's the current monthly active user (MAU) trend for the game?

Why it matters: Indicates whether more updates could significantly boost engagement. Expected answer: MAU is declining but at a slower rate than previous titles. Impact on approach: Stable MAU might justify continued updates to maintain the player base.

  • Looking at development resources, I'm wondering about team capacity. How is the development team currently split between Valhalla updates and the next installment?

Why it matters: Helps understand the feasibility of pursuing both options simultaneously. Expected answer: 70% on the new installment, 30% on Valhalla updates. Impact on approach: Limited resources might necessitate a more focused strategy.

  • Considering the franchise roadmap, I'm thinking about release timelines. What's the target release window for the next Assassin's Creed installment?

Why it matters: Influences the urgency of shifting focus to the new title. Expected answer: Planned for release in 18-24 months. Impact on approach: A nearer release date would prioritize new content development.

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NextSprints

Updated Jan 22, 2025