Ubisoft, the French gaming giant, finds itself in turbulent waters, according to an irate investor referencing a private report by Mergermarket. The company is reportedly in secret discussions with Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and other major players eager to acquire some of its struggling franchises. This situation is particularly pressing for Ubisoft as the publisher has not produced a significant hit in quite some time, leading to dwindling investor confidence and a reassessment of its strategic direction, including potential privatization and restructuring efforts.

Despite Ubisoft's efforts, even a successful launch of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game may not be enough to reverse its fortunes. This raises the question: what properties in the Ubisoft catalog could be ripe for acquisition by Microsoft, particularly when the company stands to gain more than just financial assets?

Let’s dive into some of the most notable Ubisoft IPs and their potential appeal to Microsoft’s Phil Spencer.

1. Prince of Persia

A classic among action-adventure games, the Prince of Persia franchise is a compelling option. Although it has been inactive for some time, the excitement around a recent Metroidvania-style revival has reignited interest. However, the optics of a major American company acquiring a franchise associated with Middle Eastern culture may create some backlash, especially in today’s geopolitical climate.

2. Rayman

Rayman is synonymous with platform gaming in France, yet it may be difficult for Microsoft to visualize this franchise as a flagship character on an American console. While Rayman has charm and nostalgia, its cultural specificity makes it a tough sell for a broader audience.

3. The Rabbids

These quirky characters closely resemble the Minions phenomenon and could serve as a family-friendly face for Xbox. Despite the association, the success of past Rabbids games mostly relied on collaborations with Nintendo’s Mario. Should Microsoft pursue this avenue, collaboration with Nintendo on future projects would be crucial.

4. For Honor

Marketed as a multiplayer melee combat game, For Honor claims a player base of 35 million. If those figures can be verified, it could make a cheap acquisition appealing, despite its perceived lack of mainstream recognition. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good sword-fighting game?

5. The Crew

With a robust lineup of racing games like Forza Horizon, Microsoft may not find The Crew as valuable. The market is already saturated with superior alternatives.

6. Driver

The nostalgia associated with the Driver franchise, which includes unique concepts like a ghost policeman, could be leveraged for fresh creative opportunities. It might not be a top priority, but bundling it with other acquisitions could work out well.

7. Just Dance

The popularity of Just Dance is undeniable, but Microsoft’s historical experience with motion control through Kinect left a sour taste. The franchise's success might not align with Xbox's gaming identity.

8. Might and Magic

While the Elder Scrolls series is an Xbox cornerstone, Might and Magic wouldn’t significantly enhance the library. However, its low acquisition price could make it a toss-up.

9. Watch Dogs

Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of a wide array of franchises, the absence of a classic open-world game like Watch Dogs is notable. The series has improved over time, particularly with the release of Watch Dogs: Legion. If Microsoft cannot secure Assassin’s Creed, this franchise could fill a gap in their offerings.

10. Beyond Good and Evil

Lastly, we have the cult classic Beyond Good and Evil—a franchise that has long been stuck in development limbo. Buying it could elevate Microsoft’s reputation within the gaming community, offering an opportunity for them to revitalize a storied IP and connect with devoted fans.

As Microsoft continues its ambitious acquisition strategy, the prospect of picking up a Ubisoft franchise adds another exciting layer to the competitive gaming landscape. The question now is: which of these intriguing options would you like to see Microsoft pursue as they aim to dominate the gaming industry?