Ubisoft’s Bold and Controversial Move to Save a Major Franchise

Ubisoft is facing significant challenges, with recent releases like Star Wars Outlaws failing to improve their standing. In response, the studio plans to heavily focus on the Assassin’s Creed franchise, aiming to release a new title every six months for the next decade. Upcoming projects include Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Invictus, a remake of Black Flag, and more. Additionally, they have other titles lined up, such as a new Ghost Recon and Far Cry 7, amidst ongoing layoffs.

Ubisoft has been facing a series of setbacks lately, and the release of Star Wars Outlaws at the end of August did little to improve the situation. With increasingly challenging circumstances, the French studio is compelled to make drastic decisions and adapt its strategy. As a result, the developer has decided to focus on one of its flagship franchises, even at the risk of overextending.

Going All-In on Assassin’s Creed?

While not all of Ubisoft’s games and franchises achieve success, one series stands out for its resilience: Assassin’s Creed. Early next year, players will be introduced to the 14th installment, titled Shadows, which takes place in 16th-century Japan. The French studio seemingly intends to capitalize on this success, with plans to release a new Assassin’s Creed game every six months over the next decade, according to industry insider Tom Henderson, known for his reliability.

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In the latest episode of the Xbox Two + One podcast featuring Jez Corden and Rand al Thor, Henderson revealed that Ubisoft aims to launch a plethora of titles across various genres—not just large RPGs. This information aligns with the studio’s own roadmap for Assassin’s Creed, highlighting that they are working on both smaller experiences and major AAA action RPGs.

A preliminary list of future entries in the franchise includes:

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025): set to release on February 14, 2025
  • Assassin’s Creed Invictus (Upcoming): a multiplayer title reminiscent of Fall Guys
  • Remake of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag (Upcoming): a remake of the critically acclaimed 2013 game
  • Assassin’s Creed Jade (2025): a mobile game
  • Assassin’s Creed Hexe (To be confirmed): expected to offer a darker and more linear experience than usual

Ultimately, players can anticipate around 20 Assassin’s Creed games within the next decade. However, it is important to note that these titles may not carry the same scale as previous releases, given that developing an AC game typically takes about 3 to 4 years.

Other Upcoming Titles

Of course, Ubisoft won’t solely focus on Assassin’s Creed. During the podcast, Henderson confirmed that the studio has additional projects in the pipeline. These include a new Ghost Recon (developed by Ubisoft Paris), Far Cry 7, Far Cry Maverick (an extraction game), and a Rayman remake (the specific title has not been disclosed).

These ambitious projects come at a time when the studio is in the red, having laid off approximately 2,000 employees in recent months. Will this approach pay off? Only time can tell.

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