Ubisoft's open-world action game Watch Dogs has now shipped more than 9 million copies (up from 8 million in July) since its release in May for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The Wii U version of Watch Dogs will be released on November 18.

Two-thirds of total Watch Dogs sales came from the Xbox One, PS4, and PC versions, Ubisoft said.

The French publisher announced the new sales milestone today as part of an earnings report for the six-month period ended September 30. During the period, Ubisoft posted sales of €484.2 million ($611.3 million), up 65.1 percent compared to the €293.3 million ($369.9 million) the company posted in net sales this period last year.

Ubisoft posted a profit of €17.1 million ($21.6 million), a huge improvement over the loss of €62.1 million ($78.4 million) last year.

During the six-month period, Ubisoft saw a 90.4 percent spike in digital revenue, which totaled €134.7 million ($169.8 million), or 27.8 percent of total sales for the term. Success in this area was driven by Ubisoft's digital distribution, mobile operations, and sales of DLC and other in-game items.

Also contributing to Ubisoft's bottom line during the period was back catalog sales of €113.7 million ($143.4 million), fueled by Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, South Park: The Stick of Truth, Far Cry 3, and Rayman Legends.

For the three-month quarter ended September 30, Ubisoft posted revenue of €124.1 million ($156.7 million), which is down 42.9 percent compared to €217.7 million ($274.6 million) a year ago.

"The very strong momentum we saw at the beginning of the fiscal year carried on into the second quarter and enabled us to once again exceed our performance expectations," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said in a statement. "Ubisoft continued to capitalize on the popularity of new consoles, the successful launch of Watch Dogs, the quality of its back catalog, and the considerable growth of the digital segment. Consequently, our operating income and cash flows improved significantly during the period."

Ubisoft also confirmed today that 2012's Far Cry 3 has shipped 10 million units to date, 6 million of which came in the first year. The publisher said it expects Far Cry 4 to sell more than 6 million in the first year. As for racing game, The Crew, Ubisoft said it is expecting it to sell 2 million units.

Looking ahead, Ubisoft has a number of marquee titles for this holiday and beyond, including Assassin's Creed Unity, Assassin's Creed Rogue, Far Cry 4, and The Crew. Just last week, the company launched the latest entry in another one of its powerhouse franchises, Just Dance 2015.

Ubisoft will hold an earnings call today at 10:15 AM Pacific to discuss these results and answer analyst and media questions. Check back soon for more.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Ubisoft's open-world action game Watch Dogs has now shipped more than 9 million copies (up from 8 million in July) since its release in May for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The Wii U version of Watch Dogs will be released on November 18.

Two-thirds of total Watch Dogs sales came from the Xbox One, PS4, and PC versions, Ubisoft said.

The French publisher announced the new sales milestone today as part of an earnings report for the six-month period ended September 30. During the period, Ubisoft posted sales of €484.2 million ($611.3 million), up 65.1 percent compared to the €293.3 million ($369.9 million) the company posted in net sales this period last year.

Ubisoft posted a profit of €17.1 million ($21.6 million), a huge improvement over the loss of €62.1 million ($78.4 million) last year.

During the six-month period, Ubisoft saw a 90.4 percent spike in digital revenue, which totaled €134.7 million ($169.8 million), or 27.8 percent of total sales for the term. Success in this area was driven by Ubisoft's digital distribution, mobile operations, and sales of DLC and other in-game items.

Also contributing to Ubisoft's bottom line during the period was back catalog sales of €113.7 million ($143.4 million), fueled by Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, South Park: The Stick of Truth, Far Cry 3, and Rayman Legends.

For the three-month quarter ended September 30, Ubisoft posted revenue of €124.1 million ($156.7 million), which is down 42.9 percent compared to €217.7 million ($274.6 million) a year ago.

"The very strong momentum we saw at the beginning of the fiscal year carried on into the second quarter and enabled us to once again exceed our performance expectations," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said in a statement. "Ubisoft continued to capitalize on the popularity of new consoles, the successful launch of Watch Dogs, the quality of its back catalog, and the considerable growth of the digital segment. Consequently, our operating income and cash flows improved significantly during the period."

Ubisoft also confirmed today that 2012's Far Cry 3 has shipped 10 million units to date, 6 million of which came in the first year. The publisher said it expects Far Cry 4 to sell more than 6 million in the first year. As for racing game, The Crew, Ubisoft said it is expecting it to sell 2 million units.

Looking ahead, Ubisoft has a number of marquee titles for this holiday and beyond, including Assassin's Creed Unity, Assassin's Creed Rogue, Far Cry 4, and The Crew. Just last week, the company launched the latest entry in another one of its powerhouse franchises, Just Dance 2015.

Ubisoft will hold an earnings call today at 10:15 AM Pacific to discuss these results and answer analyst and media questions. Check back soon for more.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Apple CEO Tim Cook today publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation for the first time, explaining that, "I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me."

In a guest post for Bloomberg Businessweek, the high-profile CEO explained that throughout his professional life went out of his way to ensure that business and personal matters were kept separate. However, he had a change of heart after reflecting upon a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King.

"I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' I often challenge myself with that question, and I've come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That's what has led me to today."

Cook went on to say that he has been open regarding his sexuality with colleagues at Apple for years, and it hasn't made a difference regarding how he is treated. At the same time, however, he acknowledged that not everyone is so lucky to work for a company that has advocated for human rights and equality in the way that Apple has.

"Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day" -- Tim Cook

"While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven't publicly acknowledged it either, until now. So let me be clear: I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me," Cook said.

"Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day," he added. "It's made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life. It's been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity and bigotry. It's also given me the skin of a rhinoceros, which comes in handy when you’re the CEO of Apple."

Cook went on to say that he is proud of the progress America has made towards marriage equality and other, similar policies. However, he stressed that there is still much to achieve so that people don't have to live in fear of declaring their sexual orientation openly. Cook added that he does not think of himself as an activist, but explained that he hopes his story can help inspire others.

"I don't consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I've benefited from the sacrifice of others," he said. "So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy."

"Part of social progress is understanding that a person is not defined only by one's sexuality, race, or gender. I'm an engineer, an uncle, a nature lover, a fitness nut, a son of the South, a sports fanatic, and many other things," he added. "I hope that people will respect my desire to focus on the things I’m best suited for and the work that brings me joy."

"When I arrive in my office each morning, I'm greeted by framed photos of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy. I don't pretend that writing this puts me in their league. All it does is allow me to look at those pictures and know that I'm doing my part, however small, to help others. We pave the sunlit path toward justice together, brick by brick. This is my brick."

Cook was named Apple CEO in August 2011, replacing Steve Jobs.

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