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[Saint Gregory]

Actually I think Watch_Dogs can sell better on the Wii U than other games before it, because WD is a new IP and there isn't a existing fanbase on the other consoles, like with COD and/or AC.

It may have had a chance to, the Wii U has had some minor successes but aside from Sonic Racing they were all exclusives. Ubi pretty much killed any chance of that now though.

I'm not sure i would call it double standard. They're not obligated to anyone to follow a certain release pattern or anything like that. They do these choices based on what they think is the best choice business wise.

That certainly didn't work out in their favor for Rayman based on the leaked percentages from the NPD thread but it most likely will here.

Did it sell better on Wii U? Or do you mean it totally bombed on all platforms?

It did bomb on all platforms but based on the leaked numbers it sold more on Wii U than PS3 and 360 combined. I can't remember if PC numbers were included. I think that it would be impossible to say that it wouldn't have sold better overall if it had been released last February on schedule for the starved Wii U base.

 

[gogogow]

It may have had a chance to, the Wii U has had some minor successes but aside from Sonic Racing they were all exclusives. Ubi pretty much killed any chance of that now though.

That certainly didn't work out in their favor for Rayman based on the leaked percentages from the NPD thread but it most likely will here.

Did it sell better on Wii U? Or do you mean it totally bombed on all platforms?

 

[tci]

Ah, the Ubisoft PR dance, yet again.

You know what Ubisoft? I really don't care about your words. Not that I planed on getting it on Wii U (PC). But this is pathetic. Why don't you just stop with the charade and double standards and tell it like it is.

 

[prag16]

Look at his post history, then decide if you really want have a discussion with him.

I'm familiar. This is a bit out there, even for him. Unless:

I think he was talking about what the literal translation of its name was.

Perhaps, but I believe that's giving him too much credit based on his posting history.

 

[R_thanatos]

AH
best laugh i had today !

Meanwhile at nintendo :

Don't worry nintendo , ubisoft is going to add a map on the wii U tablet for watch dogs..

 

[The Maverick]

You are already dead.jpg

Also, what does the Vita have to do with Watch Dogs being delayed on Wii U, folks?

 

[gogogow]

I'm familiar. This is a bit out there, even for him. Unless:


Perhaps, but I believe that's giving him too much credit based on his posting history.

Nah, his follow up post says it all. "One isn't doing great, the other a massive failure".

 

[shinra-bansho]

Lol at the idea that Vita isn't a dead failure.

Also, so much emotive language about "sabotage" etc when the situation is plain as day. They're focused on the SKUs that will actually sell - why does no one ever consider the concept of opportunity cost.

 

[prag16]

Lol at the idea that Vita isn't a dead failure.

Also, so much emotive language about "sabotage" etc when the situation is plain as day. They're focused on the SKUs that will actually sell - why does no one ever consider the concept of opportunity cost.

True. Though the claim by many that it's already cancelled but Ubi is afraid to admit it also smacks of tinfoil hattery.

 

[test_account]

That certainly didn't work out in their favor for Rayman based on the leaked percentages from the NPD thread but it most likely will here.

Do you mean for the WiiU version?

 

[Saint Gregory]

Lol at the idea that Vita isn't a dead failure.

Let's leave the Vita out of this, it's suffered enough :'(

Do you mean for the WiiU version?

I explained it above but the delay didn't help the game's sales at all. It's a tough debate to have now but I honestly believe that the game's total sales number would have been higher by now if it had not been delayed than what Ubi decided to do.

 

[hemo memo]

Stupid business decision.

 

[Effer]

Stupid business decision.

Technically they're in this to make money. If the costs of developing the Wii U version exceed forecast profits, the best business decision is to cancel it as quietly as possible as not to create bad blood with gamers.

They'll announce it's cancelled the same day Mario Kart comes out, and not a soul will hear the news (or care).

 

[DaBargainHunta]

I stopped caring about this the day it missed the PS4 launch. As it stands, I don't care when or where it comes out, because it'll be something I wait for sub-$20 on, if I bother at all.

 

[Deraj]

Predicting this will be the next thing we hear from Ubi:

"We made the difficult decision to further delay the release of Watch Dogs on Wii U to focus the team's resources on DLC for our new best seller, Watch Dogs!"

 

[test_account]

I explained it above but the delay didn't help the game's sales at all. It's a tough debate to have now but I honestly believe that the game's total sales number would have been higher by now if it had not been delayed than what Ubi decided to do.

I understand. I could see it being a little bit higher, but Game & Wario, Pikmin 3 and The Wonderful 101 (especially this) didnt really sell that great despite the WiiU drought. Going by this, i'm not sure if Rayman would have done much difference being timed exclusive on the WiiU for ~6 months or so.

It could also have resulted in that the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC version would have sold less as well, since then multiplatform owners might have already bought the WiiU version. While when it was released for other platforms at the same time, maybe they chose to get another version than the WiiU version. But its hard to say if it would have sold better or worse though.

 

[shinra-bansho]

That certainly didn't work out in their favor for Rayman based on the leaked percentages from the NPD thread but it most likely will here.

One would have to know what the projected sales on the Wii U were before saying the decision to delay the game and release two other SKUs was worthwhile.

Origins also sold terribly, iirc. Software in general on the Wii U has sold poorly. The PS360 ports added a 82%/72K to the sales and they may not have expected much more than the 88K it has sold on the Wii U anyway.

True. Though the claim by many that it's already cancelled but Ubi is afraid to admit it also smacks of tinfoil hattery.

In all likelihood development has been halted on that SKU; it will probably depend upon how much further investment is required to bring the SKU out. It may at a later date be determined not worthwhile like Aliens: Colonial Marines, but right I think Ubisoft are just being upfront that they're prioritizing.

At this stage the development on the Wii U SKU is basically sunk cost.

 

[Saint Gregory]

I understand. I could see it being a little bit higher, but Game & Wario, Pikmin 3 and The Wonderful 101 (especially this) didnt really sell that great despite the WiiU drought. Going by this, i'm not sure if Rayman would have done much difference being timed exclusive on the WiiU for ~6 months or so.

It could also have resulted in that the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC version would have sold less as well, since then multiplatform owners might have already bought the WiiU version. While when it was released for other platforms at the same time, maybe they chose to get another version than the WiiU version. But its hard to say if it would have sold better or worse though.

One would have to know what the projected sales on the Wii U were before saying the decision to delay the game and release two other SKUs was worthwhile.

Origins also sold terribly, iirc. Software in general on the Wii U has sold poorly. The PS360 ports added a 82%/72K to the sales and they may not have expected much more than the 88K it has sold on the Wii U anyway.
In all likelihood development has been halted on that SKU; it will probably depend upon how much further investment is required to bring the SKU out. It may at a later date be determined not worthwhile like Aliens: Colonial Marines, but right I think Ubisoft are just being upfront that they're prioritizing.

At this stage the development on the Wii U SKU is basically sunk cost.

It is a very tough debate to have since there are so many unknown factors but when you take into account that it's a platformer on a platform heavy console, it was the most hyped 3rd party exclusive prior to launch and was the primary demo game at retailers vs the cost of developing the PS360/PC versions and delaying the game into the most release heavy portion of the year (against GTAV no less) it's hard not to imagine a scenario where Ubi's total profits wouldn't have been higher with just the Wii U version.

Spoiler

That was an ungodly long sentence but I honestly couldn't figure out where to break it up :lol

 

[axisofweevils]

It is a very tough debate to have since there are so many unknown factors but when you take into account that it's a platformer on a platform heavy console, it was the most hyped 3rd party exclusive prior to launch and was the primary demo game at retailers vs the cost of developing the PS360/PC versions and delaying the game into the most release heavy portion of the year (against GTAV no less) it's hard not to imagine a scenario where Ubi's total profits wouldn't have been higher with just the Wii U version.

Spoiler

That was an ungodly long sentence but I honestly couldn't figure out where to break it up :lol

I've had that theory for a while. Add the fact that several Wii U owners boycotted the game because of the delay, and the result is that even the most popular Wii U version didn't sell anywhere near as well as it could have.

 

[Lone_Prodigy]

It'll be late and still $60.

 

[shinra-bansho]

The Legends Wii U SKU sold about as much as Sonic: Lost World - another platformer on the platformer-centric system. I really don't know how many more sales one would have expected at the initial release date. The Wii U installed base really hasn't proven particularly active in software purchases, very few titles have topped 100K.

With regard to GTA, I imagine it was almost a sort of counter-programming release - the audience isn't really thought as the same so the impact will be minimal. And while it's the most release heavy period, the reason it is that way is holiday shopping, which Rayman would have benefited from.

 

[DSN2K]

it was likely cancelled and Nintendo have stepped in to fund the remaining development imo.

 

[catmario]

Oh... farewell WiiU Watch dogs...

This will less sold than other version, because many fan will already bought another version at that timing.

 

[BGBW]

People bring up Aliens, but honestly, did you really expect Wii U owners to buy it after it was panned as hard as it was. UbiSoft was better off just cutting their loses when they did.

 

[Social]

Surely this will not come out for wiiU, ever? Maybe they are still waiting to see when Nintendo is pulling the plug on the device...

 

[Markitron]

I can't see this releasing at all. Assuming it does come out within 2 or 3 months, wouldn't most gamers that are waiting on this have already bought it on one of the 5 other platforms?

 

[Saint Gregory]

The Legends Wii U SKU sold about as much as Sonic: Lost World - another platformer on the platformer-centric system. I really don't know how many more sales one would have expected at the initial release date. The Wii U installed base really hasn't proven particularly active in software purchases, very few titles have topped 100K.

With regard to GTA, I imagine it was almost a sort of counter-programming release - the audience isn't really thought as the same so the impact will be minimal. And while it's the most release heavy period, the reason it is that way is holiday shopping, which Rayman would have benefited from.

Sonic was bad though and was going head to head pretty much with 3D World whereas Rayman was well received and would have had the post launch period to itself. It's an argument that will go in circles though since we'll never know what might have been.

It's true though that the Wii U base has proven so far to not buy much of anything. It makes me wonder sometimes what people are doing with them. Has anyone seen someone wearing a Wii U as a hat? Pad medallion maybe?

 

[kek_lel]

Kinda stupid imho. Now you dont get to play mario kart and zelda.
Who buys Wii U for 3rd party games?

Ill get to play enough mario when I can grab a Wii U again for 99 € in maybe two years from now
And yes stupid I agree
But who am I but a fool to believe in nintendo
Oh well

 

[Green Yoshi]

What is wrong with that game? Second delay within three months.

 

[TunaLover]

I hope it still coming to Wii U, at this point a delay is the less worse thing to happen.

 

[Teknoman]

Difficult decision my foot...

 

[Replicant]

Meanwhile at nintendo :

More like:

Reggie: "Is it dead yet?"
Iwata: *poke, poke* "Naah, it's just dying!"
Miyamoto: *giggles*

 

[megabytecr]

To be completely honest this game started getting my attention but failed ever since the first showing. With that said I still want it to come to the Wii U. I am not sure I will get it Day 1, I prefer a wait and see approach, and being way behind on releases is good.

I would prefer other games on the Wii U than Watch Dogs at this point, but if it is actually coming I wont complain.

 

[nampad]

They would be better of just cancelling the game. Several games already showed that the audience for a game like this isn't on the Wii U and the Wii U sales aren't good. A delay also won't help the sales of the Wii U version.

Respect for supporting the Wii U so much but I think it will just burn money.

People bring up Aliens, but honestly, did you really expect Wii U owners to buy it after it was panned as hard as it was. UbiSoft was better off just cutting their loses when they did.

The game charted pretty high in the UK and still does from time to time. The casuals just buy it because of the branding, why wouldn't that work for the Wii U? Aliens wasn't Ubisoft though, it was Sega.

 

[illmatic22]

The backlash on The Uplay miiverse section is pretty bad, a number of claims of industry bias against nintendo

 

[Mr-Joker]

The backlash on The Uplay miiverse section is pretty bad, a number of claims of industry bias against nintendo

Not surprising since this is the second time that Ubisoft has burned their Wii U fan base. Either way I am not too bothered if the Wii U port get cancelled or not, since I have long lost interest in Ubisoft and the game.

 

[maxiell]

Maybe they do have some cool gamepad options worked out, or what they do have runs and looks good. Or maybe they just want to soften the blow for when they do cancel it, since less people would care by then.

It seems that the delay is probably partially due to the development issues with the game in general, given that what they were showing before the game was moved to 2014 was extremely rough. Not exactly how you want to launch a new IP, so prioritizing other versions just makes sense.

If they really wanted to cancel it they would have every reason to do in light of how Black Flag sold.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

The backlash on The Uplay miiverse section is pretty bad, a number of claims of industry bias against nintendo

Good.

Too much Ubisoft defending.

Blah blah, they were the strongest supporter of the Wii U, blah blah.

They should see this game through or should have cancelled it ages ago because the situation hasn't changed and there were no signs it was going to.

 

[AniHawk]

i've figured it out: the rand corporation, in conjunction with the saucer people, under the supervision of the reverse vampires, are forcing ubisoft to delay the wii u watch_dogs, in a fiendish plot to eliminate the nintendo console.

we're through the looking glass here, people.

 

[sphagnum]

i've figured it out: the rand corporation, in conjunction with the saucer people, under the supervision of the reverse vampires, are forcing ubisoft to delay the wii u watch_dogs, in a fiendish plot to eliminate the nintendo console.

we're through the looking glass here, people.

Yes but where does Nibiru fit in

 

[BurnOutBrighter]

Don't worry nintendo , ubisoft is going to add a map on the wii U tablet for watch dogs..

It would be a riot if this didn't happen and the game was just a port of the PS3/360 version with the map on the TV and a blank tablet screen.

Delayed, gimped, and sold at full price. They'll call it the Ubisoft trifecta.

 

[Nico_D]

I'm not all for doom and gloom talk but I'd be seriously surprised if this gets released on Wii U anymore. They delayed it already for nearly six months - as if they couldn't have finished the Wii U version at that time.

I just don't understand that they just need to release it, it doesn't cost them that much more money, the work is done. Are they going to waste the time and money put on the version by delaying it further or even cancelling it? Makes no sense.

Anyway, if it comes later than the other version, no one is going to buy it since they've already got it. I might get it on PS3 or XBOX360 - although I'd rather have it on Wii U.

 

[A_Gorilla]

Damn, well at least they're not claiming Watch Dogs on Wii U will be the "definitive" version like they did for Aliens: CM...

 

[Infernal Monkey]

Damn, well at least they're not claiming Watch Dogs on Wii U will be the "definitive" version like they did for Aliens: CM...

But in the end, SEGA was indeed correct about the Wii U version of Aliens being the definitive edition.

 

[kuroshiki]

True nintendo fans only play nintendo games and nintendo games only.

That being said, releasing this on the late date is suicide.

Actually releasing game on nintendo home console itself IS suicide.

 

[iamaustrian]

I, for one, am sick of ubisoft seperating it's gamers into categories,
This is the second time Nintendo gamers (me included) get shafted big time by Ubisoft.
European EA indeed.

True nintendo fans only play nintendo games and nintendo games only.

That being said, releasing this on the late date is suicide.

Actually releasing game on nintendo home console itself IS suicide.

I can't hear that anymore.
I'm a true and big nintendo fan but I also play other games.
stop it

also there are non nintendo games on WiiU which did good or well enough.

 

[shinra-bansho]

also there are non nintendo games on WiiU which did good or well enough.

Such as...? Name any of relevance to Ubisoft and the sales potential of Watch_Dogs...

 

[Aquamarine]

isn't that just first week sales?

NPD Lifetime sales:

Rayman Legends

Wii U - 88K
360 - 42K
PS3 - 30K
PSV - 20K


You might look at this information and think "Well, Rayman Legends did so well on Wii U, so why would Ubisoft stop supporting them?"

And I would respond with the following:

1) Rayman Legends sold well on Wii U because it was hyped as a Wii U exclusive for many months. I know people who purchased a Wii U BECAUSE Rayman Legends was supposed to come out exclusively for it.

2) The game sold quite poorly universally. Ubisoft cares much more about their tentpole franchises like Splinter Cell and Assassin's Creed IV, where they make all of their money.

3) Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Assassin's Creed IV have performed ABYSMALLY on Wii U. While there may be more merit for colorful, mascot platformers, their core, mature titles don't perform nearly as well, and Ubisoft realizes this.



Example USA sales:

Assassin's Creed IV sold 620,000 copies in its debut reporting month. You would think those are respectable sales, right? Except that 6,000 sales (1%) came from Wii U SKU sales, and the remaining 614,000 (99%) came from PS3 and 360 SKUs.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist sold fewer than 294,000 copies in its debut reporting month. But alas, only 1.6% of these copies (<4,700 units) came from Wii U SKU sales. The remaining 98.4%? From the 360 SKU (70%, <205,800 units) and the PS3 SKU (<88,200 units).

Assuming these ratios get worse through the 2013 Holiday Season, what incentive does Ubisoft have to make Watch_Dogs Wii U version?

It's estimated to cost $1.2 million dollars or about 44,000 copies to break even on a Wii U port of a Ubisoft game.

What kind of hope does Ubisoft have that Watch_Dogs Wii U will be worth their time and money if their existing, proven IPs don't sell enough to recoup their development expenses?

What if it sells 2,000 copies in its first month in the USA and less than 20,000 throughout its lifespan worldwide? Then all of those costs in future development (I assume the port is unfinished), testing, certification, licensing, distribution, retailer advertising and marketing would only be in a vain attempt to mitigate the sunk costs...instead of just cutting the beast off at the head, swallow the existing losses, and reroute Ubisoft Bucharest's development staff into more successful ventures.


Case in point:

^ October-December Ubisoft sales revenue was particularly weak on Wii U with only 2% of revenue accruing from the entire Wii U library of Ubisoft titles.

 

[shinra-bansho]

Further to Aquamarine's post and before anyone cites the relative installed base of the PS3/360 and Wii U; when Assassin's Creed IV debuted on the PS4 in November it sold >270K and >115K on the XB1, and has now sold >500K on the PS4 and >350K on the XB1.

The game has sold about 3M total, so the PS4 SKU constitutes around 17% of sales on an installed base of 2M systems.

 

[AzaK]

This just confirms to me that they never even started development of the WiiU version.

At this point it's cancellation is all but certain, and thus Ubisofts stint on the WiiU is over.

We can only hope.

Further to Aquamarine's post and before anyone cites the relative installed base of the PS3/360 and Wii U; when Assassin's Creed IV debuted on the PS4 in November it sold >270K and >115K on the XB1, and has now sold >500K on the PS4 and >350K on the XB1.

The game has sold about 3M total, so the PS4 SKU constitutes around 17% of sales on an installed base of 2M systems.

And at the time, Wii U accounted for about 3% of the hardware install base. So selling 1/3-1/2% of the total units is pretty sad.