Ubisoft Doubles Down on Blockbuster Franchises: What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry?
Ubisoft is reaffirming its commitment to its biggest titles, with CEO Yves Guillemot confirming the development of multiple new Assassin’s Creed games and two new Far Cry experiences. This news arrives following a significant company restructure, signaling a renewed focus on core franchises.
The Future of Assassin’s Creed: Single-Player and Multiplayer
The Assassin’s Creed lineup at Vantage Studios will encompass both single-player and multiplayer experiences. Several titles are currently in development, aiming to expand the community which exceeded 30 million players last year. Among the confirmed projects are Assassin’s Creed Hexe, expected to introduce a fresh direction for the series, and a remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
However, the road hasn’t been without cancellations. Ubisoft previously shelved a multiplayer co-op Assassin’s Creed game and two other Assassin’s Creed titles, including Assassin’s Creed Singularity, a project that explored virtual trading card game mechanics with Web3 and blockchain elements.
Far Cry’s Evolving Landscape: Extraction Shooters and Open Worlds
On the Far Cry front, Ubisoft has two projects underway. Rumors suggest one is Project Blackbird, a non-linear game centered around rescuing a protagonist’s kidnapped family within a strict time limit. The other, Project Maverick, is reportedly an extraction-based shooter set in the Alaskan wilderness, featuring permadeath mechanics, a backpack system, and contract-based gameplay.
This potential shift towards an extraction shooter suggests Ubisoft is exploring new ways to engage players within the Far Cry universe, moving beyond the traditional open-world formula established by titles like Far Cry 6 (released in 2021).
Vantage Studios: A New Model for Ubisoft
The development of these titles falls under the purview of Vantage Studios, a creative division overseeing Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six Siege. Ubisoft believes this new operating model will empower teams to focus on their respective franchises, leading to a more predictable pipeline and stronger player engagement.
What Does This Mean for the Gaming Landscape?
Ubisoft’s strategy reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry: a focus on established franchises. While new IPs are always important, the guaranteed audience and brand recognition of titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry offer a safer investment, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.
The inclusion of multiplayer experiences within both franchises also highlights the growing importance of live-service games. These games, designed to be played for extended periods, generate ongoing revenue through in-game purchases and subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can we expect to observe these new games?
A: Ubisoft has not provided specific release dates, but the projects are expected to span several years.
Q: What is an “extraction shooter”?
A: An extraction shooter is a multiplayer game mode where players enter a map, complete objectives, and attempt to “extract” with their loot. Death often results in the loss of all carried items.
Q: What happened to the other Assassin’s Creed games that were cancelled?
A: Ubisoft cancelled a multiplayer co-op game and Assassin’s Creed Singularity, a project involving blockchain technology.
Q: Will Far Cry continue to have single-player games?
A: Yes, Ubisoft confirmed that one of the two Far Cry projects in development is a single-player game.
Did you know? Ubisoft was originally founded as a family company, a heritage that continues to influence its long-term strategic decisions.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official Ubisoft announcements and gaming news websites for the latest updates on these projects.
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