Ubisoft recently made headlines by announcing a price hike for its Just Dance+ subscription service, set to kick in from April 2026. Just a week after revealing significant cuts and game cancellations as part of its restructuring efforts, this news comes at a rough time for the company.
Just Dance+ launched in November 2022 and lets players dance to a wider array of songs from the franchise. Starting in April, the monthly subscription will cost an extra $1, making it $4.99. A three-month pass will rise by $3 to $12.99, and the annual pass will increase by $5, totaling $29.99. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1 Month Pass: $4.99 (up from $3.99)
- 3 Month Pass: $12.99 (up from $9.99)
- 12 Month Pass: $29.99 (up from $24.99)
News of the price increase coincides with other unsettling developments at Ubisoft. Recently, they cancelled six games, including the much-anticipated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, and closed several studios as part of a shift towards live-service gaming and AI investments.
The context is troubling. According to reports, Ubisoft’s Paris headquarters is planning further cost reductions, including a voluntary redundancy process. There is growing frustration among employees, with unions calling for more action, including strikes.
While new songs are being added to the service, like “Walking on Sunshine” and “Dynamite,” user reactions have been mixed. Many feel the price increase is unfair, especially in light of recent layoffs and cancellations.
Statistics show that 60% of gamers express concern over subscription prices rising in a competitive market, according to a recent survey. It’s a sentiment that resonates strongly within the community right now. Gamers expect value for their money, and with the recent changes, it’s unclear if Just Dance+ can deliver that.
The gaming industry is all about finding balance. As companies like Ubisoft navigate their restructuring, gamers will be closely watching how these changes impact their favorite titles and services.
For detailed insights on Ubisoft’s restructuring plan, check out IGN’s report and the latest updates on potential labor actions from GamesIndustry.biz.
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