Video games producer Ubisoft has seen its shares plummet in value after it postponed the launch of two highly anticipated games.
The French firm said that open-world racing game The Crew and hacker-themed Watch Dogs will not be released until the company’s next financial year, which begins in April.
Ubisoft explained that the delay was to allow developers time to fine-tune the games, but it has not prevented its share value from dropping 26%.
Watch Dogs had been expected to make its debut on November 19 and now misses out on being a launch title for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Consumers who had pre-ordered bundles including both the game and one of the games consoles have been reassured by retailers that they will still receive the machine on the day they had been quoted.
The Crew had originally been set for release in the first three months of 2014.
The delay makes it likely that Ubisoft will incur and operating loss when it declares its full-year results.
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Chief executive Yves Guillemo said it has been a "tough decision, adding: "We are building franchises that will become perennial pillars of Ubisoft’s financial performance.
"In a context of growing successes for mega-blockbusters, the additional time given to the development of our titles will allow them to fulfil their huge ambitions and thus offer players even more exceptional experiences."
Ubisoft previously enjoyed success with its Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance franchises.
