Ubisoft is doubling down on its two biggest franchises, Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, confirming the development of multiple new titles across both series. The announcement comes after a period of restructuring for the French publisher, which included project cancellations and layoffs. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed the plans, signaling a renewed focus on established intellectual property.
New Far Cry Titles in Development
Guillemot confirmed that two Far Cry games are currently in active development. While specific details regarding the projects remain scarce, the CEO described the projects as “very promising.” Rumors from suggested that Ubisoft was working on titles codenamed Blackbird – potentially the next mainline installment – and Maverick, an extraction-shooter focused on multiplayer. However, Guillemot did not confirm these codenames or the nature of the games beyond stating they are in development.
Expanding the Assassin’s Creed Universe
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is also set for significant expansion, with “several titles” currently in the works. Guillemot emphasized a commitment to both single-player and multiplayer experiences within the Assassin’s Creed universe. This suggests a broadening of the franchise’s scope beyond the open-world RPG format that has defined recent entries like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company aims to grow the player base, which exceeded 30 million in the past year.
The future of Assassin’s Creed is not limited to traditional single-player blockbusters. Ubisoft is actively exploring innovative multiplayer experiences, indicating a potential shift towards more persistent and collaborative gameplay within the franchise. This move aligns with industry trends and a desire to engage players beyond the core narrative-driven campaigns.
Black Flag Remake and Hexe Remain in the Pipeline
While not directly addressed by Guillemot, industry reports point to a remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag as a high-priority project, codenamed Obsidian. This remake is reportedly being “fast-tracked” to meet fan demand for a return to the series’ seafaring roots. The project aims to modernize the gameplay and visuals of the original while preserving the beloved elements that made Black Flag a fan favorite.
Another title, Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, remains shrouded in mystery. Details about Hexe are limited, but it is expected to offer a unique setting and gameplay experience within the Assassin’s Creed universe. The project’s development status and release timeline are currently unknown.
Restructuring and a Return to Core Franchises
These announcements follow a period of significant change for Ubisoft. The company underwent a major restructuring earlier in , resulting in the cancellation of multiple projects and workforce reductions. Guillemot’s confirmation of new Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed titles signals a strategic shift towards prioritizing established franchises and a more predictable release schedule. This move is intended to stabilize the company and reassure investors after a turbulent period.
The decision to focus on core franchises reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, where publishers are increasingly relying on well-known brands to mitigate risk and ensure commercial success. By investing in Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft aims to capitalize on the existing player base and brand recognition associated with these popular series.
The company’s recent struggles have also drawn criticism from both fans and employees. A recent strike highlighted dissatisfaction with Ubisoft’s management and direction. The confirmation of new projects in beloved franchises may help to alleviate some of these concerns and restore confidence in the company’s future.
While Ubisoft remains tight-lipped about specific details, the confirmation of new Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed titles provides a glimpse into the company’s future plans. The focus on both single-player and multiplayer experiences, coupled with the potential remake of Black Flag, suggests a diverse and ambitious roadmap for these iconic franchises. The coming years will reveal whether Ubisoft’s renewed commitment to its core properties will translate into continued success in the competitive gaming market.
