Ubisoft explains game delays

Following news that Ghost Recon: Future Solider and Driver: San Francisco had been shifted from a Q1 2011 release to a unspecified date in the 12-month period beginning April 1, 2011, Ubisoft has explained why the titles will miss previously planned launches.

In an earnings call last night, responding to an investor questioning whether one more year will make a difference to game which has been in development for four years already, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot explained that Driver’s delay was all about ensuring a quality product is delivered.

“It’s not one more year; it’s we are taking the time to create an outstanding game,” said Guillemot. “Seeing the competition, it’s very important to bring all the fine touches to the game so that it can become a good racing game that helps us to establish Ubisoft in the racing genre.”

Likewise, a post on the official Ghost Recon: Future Soldier forums offered similar reasoning.

“We are working to make the game the best it possibly can be, and we’re taking this extra time to do just that. You haven’t heard much from us lately because we’ve been hard at work improving the game, and we’ll share new details with you soon,” wrote Future Solider senior community develoepr Kimi Matsuzaki.

She added: “The GRFS beta is still in the plan, and it will be happening closer to the new release date.”

Via Gamasutra

With Splinter Cell: Conviction, and to a lesser extend RUSE, Ubisoft has proven that it knows when a game needs more time, so we’re ready to believe the delays will work out better for the gamer in the end.

Delaying with the intention of polishing up the experience does, however, bring with it increased pressure on delivering a top spec product.