This is an unusual period for the transformation of video games into movies or streaming series. In recent weeks, it has become known that gaming titan Ubisoft is splitting into two distinct entities, with the more valuable intellectual properties being protected from potential bankruptcy liquidation. Regrettably, this leaves several upcoming projects like “Watch Dogs”, “Beyond Good & Evil”, “Skull & Bones”, “Driver”, and “The Division” movies/series in a precarious position. Marketing efforts may be stringent even if all these productions are completed, as the company grapples with disgruntled shareholders, numerous customer lawsuits, strikes, layoffs, and a tarnished reputation that has led to over 90% of its stock value being lost in six years. In a year’s time, these properties could very well be owned by completely different companies with no intention of finishing them.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my disappointment when I reflect on Ubisoft’s management strategies. By the time we wrap principal photography in Autumn 2024, as suggested by their latest post on X, the future of Watch Dogs seems shrouded in complexity, a stark reflection of the turmoil surrounding their corporate structure. Regrettably, Watch Dogs isn’t alone in this unfortunate predicament; many other Ubisoft-branded movie adaptations find themselves gathering dust on the shelf. In fact, one could argue that Watch Dogs is the exception that may somehow make it to the big screen.
The Ubisoft-Movie Curse Continues
When it seemed like Electronic Arts (EA) or Disney were the primary targets for criticism online, unexpectedly a newcomer from France, Ubisoft, has stepped into the spotlight. In 2021, Ubisoft.com announced a live-action adaptation of their racing game, “Driver,” set to be released on Binge.com. However, this project was later scrapped and the news was buried in a lengthy financial report in 2024.
One of the more promising projects was a big-budget film adaptation of the 2016 game, “The Division,” which mysteriously disappeared without a trace. This film, at one point, boasted Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain as part of its cast, with Rawson Marshall Thurber, director of “Red Notice” and “Skyscraper,” set to direct. In contrast to the previous project, we did receive an explanation this time. Former producer Kelly McCormick provided an update to “Discussing Film” in 2022, stating:
When COVID-19 broke out, The Division seemed more like a real-life documentary to us. It was intense, dealing with an outbreak happening in real-time, the dangers that arise, and the anxiety it brings about. It became less enjoyable and felt more realistic. The game has great potential, especially with its post-apocalyptic setting and agent team concept, but we ultimately stopped playing due to COVID-19 causing us to relocate.
It appears there are several games left to be adapted into other media forms, however, the prospects of live-action adaptations for Skull & Bones and Beyond Good & Evil seem uncertain at best. In 2019, whispers about a female-centric Skull & Bones TV series surfaced in The Hollywood Reporter, but since then, only rumors and an empty IMDb entry have followed. Given the game’s lukewarm reception marred by expensive mismanagement and poor public relations, it seems that project has effectively been put to rest.
As for Beyond Good & Evil, the planned film adaptation has been silent since 2021, leaving us in a similar state of limbo. The long-awaited Splinter Cell movie from a decade ago is still nowhere to be found, but recent developments may provide some insight into why these adaptations keep getting delayed.
How Ubisoft Became the Most Loathed Name in Entertainment Overnight
Despite the excitement surrounding Watch Dogs, the year 2024 served as a harsh reveal of years of mismanagement and dwindling nostalgia. The abrupt cancellation of movies like The Division becomes more understandable when considering Ubisoft’s financial predicament. This isn’t a situation that can be attributed to the decline of television or movie theaters; instead, Ubisoft’s stock value has plunged to its lowest point in 12 years.
This economic downturn created a disheartening atmosphere within the company as restructuring loomed with potential layoffs. Last year, over 700 employees went on strike, a trend that extended beyond national borders into Italy, as reported by Deadline. Unfortunately, matters have not improved in 2025; 185 jobs were eliminated in January, leading to the closure of Ubisoft’s English studio.
As a movie reviewer, I find it intriguing to delve into the ongoing saga of gaming giant, Ubisoft, and its chairman, Yves Guillemot. Over the years, he has been a familiar face in the headlines, often stirring controversy among his most dedicated fans – a situation that has escalated into a significant class-action lawsuit. This legal battle, as reported by Techspot this month, holds immense implications for consumer protection rights and digital ownership, potentially shaping our future in the digital landscape.
It’s essential to distinguish this lawsuit from another matter concerning allegations of Ubisoft selling private user information, a story that surfaced in Lawyer Monthly. Given Ubisoft’s challenges in 2025, it seems that data sales might be a more dependable revenue stream for them than creating games or movies.
Is There Hope Your Favorite Stories Can Rise From the Ashes?
If the situation wasn’t already tense, it seems their shareholders are quite displeased with them. Recently, it was reported that international investors were planning a demonstration outside Ubisoft’s headquarters, expressing frustration over Ubisoft’s inability to respond appropriately to market shifts. In simpler terms, this means that the modern games released by Ubisoft are often uninspired and overflow with excessive microtransactions, causing fans to lose interest. Here’s hoping that the ongoing strike among employees won’t disrupt the shareholders’ protest. Perhaps they can all share a ride in an Uber to minimize traffic congestion. For those who keep track, the company, which is currently facing struggles, has only produced two films (Prince of Persia and Assassin’s Creed) about a decade ago, with no involvement in the 2008 Far Cry film directed by Uwe Boll.
In response to the upheaval, Guillemot split the video game company into two parts around two weeks later. Tencent acquired a 25% stake in the lucrative portion, according to an Ubisoft press release, with the intention of “improving our financial stability.” Notably, this newly established, supposedly stable subsidiary does not encompass Watch Dogs, Beyond Good & Evil, Driver, Skull & Bones, Splinter Cell, or The Division. This move could potentially allow someone passionate about these franchises to acquire the rights and create something exciting with them. Here’s hoping for the best!
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2025-04-20 20:34