Ubisoft: next-gen will offer 'major leap in quality'

Next-generation platforms from Microsoft and Sony will offer a "major leap in quality," according to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. Speaking today during the company's latest earnings report, the executive shared high hopes for the upcoming systems.

"A new console cycle is beginning and it will offer players an unrivalled experience," Guillemot said in prepared remarks. "They will see a major leap in quality with an extraordinary level of immersion as well as the incorporation of all of the innovations developed in recent years in online and social games, giving players the opportunity to create their own experiences and share them within their communities.

Ubisoft also revealed sales updates for some of its biggest games launched in the past year. The company cited record-breaking sales of Assassin's Creed III (12.5 million shipped and digital units) and Far Cry 3 (6 million shipped and digital units). In addition, Just Dance 4 has now shipped 8.5 million units sold since launch last year.

Overall, Ubisoft posted full-year sales of €1.256 billion ($1.6 billion) for the year ended March 31, up 18.4 percent from last year. Of this total, €928 million ($1.2 billion) came from core game sales, up 60 percent year-over-year. Net income for the year stood at €69.2 million ($89 million).

Online and digital sales were a bright spot for Ubisoft during the year, jumping 86 percent to €148 million ($190 million) in the year, making up 11.7 percent of Ubisoft's overall sales.

Looking ahead, Ubisoft said it expects full-year 2013-12 sales of between €1.420 billion ($1.8 billion) and €1.450 billion ($1.86 billion). Revenue from core games is expected to "rise strongly," the company said, thanks to the launch of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Splinter Cell: Blacklist,Watch Dogs, and two titles that have not yet been announced.