Ubisoft Officially Announces Development of New Far Cry and Assassin's Creed Titles
In a significant announcement, Ubisoft has confirmed that new installments in its flagship franchises, Far Cry and Assassin's Creed, are currently in development. This revelation comes after a major restructuring effort that reorganized the company into five distinct "creative houses." The company's CEO and co-founder, Yves Guillemot, provided detailed insights into the ongoing projects, highlighting a robust pipeline aimed at expanding these beloved series.
Restructuring and Strategic Focus on Key Franchises
Speaking to Variety, Guillemot explained that the updated organizational structure, which includes the Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios, is designed to streamline and support development across Ubisoft's major brands. When asked if this new model could accelerate work on flagship franchises, Guillemot responded, "We have a solid pipeline underway across Vantage Studios. Under the Assassin's Creed brand, several titles are in development, spanning both single-player and multiplayer experiences, with the ambition to further grow a community that exceeded 30 million players last year."
He also addressed the Far Cry franchise, stating, "On Far Cry, anticipation is high, and we currently have two very promising projects in development." This confirmation aligns with previous rumors and marks an exciting phase for fans eagerly awaiting new content.
Details on Upcoming Far Cry Projects
Previous reports had suggested Ubisoft was working on two new Far Cry titles, and the company's latest comments now serve as official confirmation. One project, codenamed Project Blackbird, is expected to be the next mainline Far Cry entry. It is rumored to feature a "non-linear" story centered on the kidnapping of the protagonist's family, with the narrative unfolding over 72 in-game hours, equivalent to roughly 24 hours in real time.
The second reported project is a standalone multiplayer title known as Project Maverick. Sources in 2023 claimed Maverick is an extraction-based shooter set in the Alaskan wilderness. It could include mechanics such as permadeath, a backpack system, contracts, and more, potentially featuring elements like lootable chests and extraction zones, adding a fresh twist to the franchise.
Assassin's Creed Pipeline and Cancelled Projects
For Assassin's Creed, several upcoming projects are already known, including Project Hexe and a remake of Black Flag. However, a report from Insider Gaming indicated that Ubisoft cancelled two planned Assassin's Creed titles as part of its recent restructuring. One of these, reportedly titled Assassin's Creed Singularity, was planned as a virtual trading card game incorporating Web3 and blockchain elements for PC and mobile platforms. This move reflects the company's strategic focus on core gaming experiences.
Additional Developments and Studio Updates
Beyond video games, Ubisoft is also developing a Far Cry anthology series in collaboration with Rob McElhenney from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Noah Hawley, creator of Alien Earth. McElhenney, who also portrayed Ian Grimm in Mythic Quest, is expected to star in the series, although details about his character remain undisclosed.
Separately, Ubisoft confirmed layoffs affecting 40 developers at the studio working on the Splinter Cell remake, while emphasizing that development on the game is continuing. This highlights the broader industry challenges and adjustments within the company.
Overall, Ubisoft's announcements signal a committed effort to innovate and expand its key franchises, promising exciting new experiences for gamers worldwide in the coming years.
