Watch Dogs underscored a record first quarter for Ubisoft

Digital segment grew too

Ubisoft set lofty predictions for its 2014 fiscal year first-quarter performance, and then it blew right by them. Estimating €310 million (approximately $422 million) in sales, the publisher reported first-quarter sales of €360 million (approximately $490 million). That figure is a significant jump from the €76 million that it reported at this time in 2013.

Anchoring the company’s three month stretch was the release of Watch Dogs, which shipped more than eight million units and that Ubisoft reaffirmed is a “major new franchise.” Ubisoft also attributed the successful quarter to the digital segment — namely Valiant Hearts, Child of Light, and Trials Fusion — as well as free-to-play mobile games.

But, for every upside, there’s a downside. Ubisoft’s predicting substantially lower sales for the second quarter at €85 million, which would mark a 61% decrease over the same time last year. However, the publisher’s estimation still puts it right in line to make good on its target figures for the full year.