Ubisoft has been navigating some turbulent waters over the last year. Despite the weight its brand name carries, the release of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora last December quickly slipped under the radar. Similarly, after a grueling eight-year anticipation, Skull and Bones did not meet expectations. The cancellation of The Division Heartland and underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws further added to Ubisoft’s woes. To make matters worse, over 700 employees were laid off, affecting the team behind one of its few hits this year, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Now more than ever, Ubisoft is relying on the momentum of its Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Ubisoft appears to have at least six major Assassin’s Creed titles in development, indicating it might be time for the publisher to start unveiling some new projects.
Breaking news related to the Assassin’s Creed universe, Shadows’ Canon Mode is poised to offer a potential solution to some ongoing series challenges, introducing a feature aimed at satisfying a wider range of player preferences.
The curtain is set to rise on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, after it was postponed from its original November launch. Fans are eagerly awaiting this release, as they’ll finally be transported to Sengoku period Japan. Players will navigate the game through Naoe and Yasuke, dual protagonists offering varied gameplay experiences: Naoe with a stealth-oriented approach, and Yasuke leaning into combat. Set within an expansive open-world environment rich with side quests and collectibles, Shadows promises an engrossing experience.
In development is a handful of other Assassin’s Creed games waiting in the wings.
Assassin’s Creed Jade, initially unveiled in September 2022, is a mobile-exclusive set during 3rd Century BC China. Players will defend against the Xiongnu, with the unique feature of creating a custom character. Initially set to release in 2023, Jade has been pushed to 2025.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe, announced alongside Jade, promises a departure from the series’ traditional tone. Hinted through a cinematic teaser, its dark themes could see players in the midst of 17th-century Holy Roman Empire witch trials. A full reveal is anticipated in 2025.
A different take on the series, Assassin’s Creed Invictus, remains largely a mystery. Rumored to be a multiplayer live-service game, fans continue to speculate as they await any teasers, possibly during the Ubisoft Forward event next summer.
Once known as Assassin’s Creed Infinity, the Animus Hub aims to be a live-service platform hosting future Assassin’s Creed titles. Though not confirmed, it’s likely to debut alongside Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Could we see a revival of a fan favorite? Rumors of an Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remake have swirled for nearly a year. Insider buzz, such as Tom Henderson’s report, suggested a 2025 release, but delays to Shadows might push it further. Let’s hope Ubisoft brings us confirmation soon.
The landscape of video gaming continues to evolve, and Ubisoft is evidently putting its weight behind Assassin’s Creed, not just as a game series but as a keystone to its recovery and future success. Players will certainly have no shortage of choice as this beloved franchise continues to expand and innovate.
