Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: A Nine-Game Odyssey
The Assassin’s Creed franchise, a cornerstone of Ubisoft’s gaming empire, is poised for a massive expansion. A recent leak – or perhaps a strategic reveal – indicates that Ubisoft is currently juggling a staggering nine different Assassin’s Creed projects, encompassing everything from mainline entries to ambitious online endeavors and lovingly crafted remasters. This ambitious roadmap signals a clear commitment to the franchise, suggesting a long-term strategy to keep players engaged and invested in the world of assassins and Templars for years to come.
The sheer scale of Ubisoft’s plans is noteworthy. It signifies a shift from episodic releases to a more holistic approach, treating Assassin’s Creed not just as a series of games but as a living, breathing universe with multiple entry points and persistent experiences. This approach could allow Ubisoft to cater to a wider audience, offering something for every type of player, from the solo narrative enthusiast to the competitive online gamer.
The vanguard of this ambitious initiative is "Jade," a mainline Assassin’s Creed title set in China. This project is reportedly one of the most advanced in development, suggesting that players might soon be exploring the rich history and vibrant landscapes of ancient China through the eyes of a new assassin. The choice of China as a setting is a significant one, tapping into a vast and largely unexplored historical period within the Assassin’s Creed universe. The potential for compelling narratives, unique combat styles, and stunning visuals is immense.
On the completely opposite end of the spectrum is "Invictus," a bold experiment that departs significantly from the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula. This project envisions a competitive online experience reminiscent of Fall Guys, where 16 players will battle it out in a series of chaotic and skill-based challenges. The success of Invictus hinges on its ability to capture the spirit of the Assassin’s Creed universe while delivering a genuinely engaging and replayable online experience. Ubisoft’s commitment to supporting Invictus with regular content updates for five years underscores their confidence in the project’s potential.
Nostalgia plays a key role in Ubisoft’s strategy, with a remastered version of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, codenamed "Obsidian," in the works. Black Flag remains a beloved entry in the series, lauded for its compelling pirate setting, engaging naval combat, and memorable characters. Remastering Black Flag with modern technologies, using the Anvil engine, is a surefire way to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The upgraded visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and potential for enhanced content could make Obsidian a must-have for any Assassin’s Creed enthusiast. Its planned release around the same time as Invictus suggests Ubisoft is aiming to offer players a diverse range of experiences simultaneously.
Following the release and post-launch support for the recently released Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft is already planning its next mainline entry, "Hexe." Details about Hexe remain scarce, but the name itself hints at a darker, more mysterious tone, potentially exploring themes of witchcraft and the occult within the historical context of the Assassin’s Creed universe. This departure from the traditional settings and narratives could offer a refreshing and intriguing new direction for the franchise.
A year after Hexe, players can anticipate the arrival of "Scarlet," described as a large-scale RPG. This project is rumored to be a massive undertaking, weaving together narratives from Indian, Mediterranean, and Aztec cultures. The sheer scope of Scarlet, combining multiple historical settings and cultures, suggests a level of ambition not seen in previous Assassin’s Creed titles. There’s speculation that Scarlet might be the same project previously known as "Nebula," further fueling excitement among fans eager for a truly expansive and immersive RPG experience.
Ubisoft’s commitment to remastered content extends beyond Black Flag, with "Stardust" listed as their second remake project. While the specific title being remastered remains unknown, the announcement signals a continued effort to revitalize classic Assassin’s Creed games for modern audiences. Following Stardust, "Emerald" is planned as an online PvE experience. This hints at a cooperative game mode where players can team up to tackle missions and challenges together, expanding the social aspect of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Beyond these announced projects, Ubisoft has two more Assassin’s Creed games planned for later release. "RPG3," slated for release two years after Stardust, is shrouded in mystery. However, hints suggest that it could be another mainline entry in the series, further expanding the core Assassin’s Creed narrative. Finally, "Remake3" is Ubisoft’s third remastered project, solidifying their commitment to preserving and revitalizing classic Assassin’s Creed experiences.
The breadth and depth of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed roadmap are undeniable. The company is clearly investing heavily in the franchise, exploring new gameplay styles, historical settings, and narrative avenues. Whether this ambitious strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of Assassin’s Creed is looking more diverse and expansive than ever before. The key to success will lie in Ubisoft’s ability to maintain quality across all these projects, ensuring that each Assassin’s Creed game, whether it’s a mainline entry, an online experience, or a remastered classic, delivers a compelling and memorable experience for players.
