What New Adventures Await in Far Cry and Prince of Persia?

Ubisoft is currently facing significant changes as it develops multiple new entries in the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry franchises, while also dealing with the cancellation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake. The company, which has struggled with recent flops, is undergoing a major restructuring to enhance its creative output and regain financial stability.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ubisoft is in a transformative phase, prompted by a financial bailout from Tencent and a series of significant internal changes. The company is restructuring into five 'creative houses' to sharpen its focus on major franchises including Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. This restructuring is coupled with layoffs and the cancellation of several projects, notably the much-anticipated Prince of Persia remake, which has raised concerns about the future of other Ubisoft titles.

Key takeaways

Ubisoft is restructuring into five creative houses to focus on its major franchises.
Multiple Assassin’s Creed titles are in development, including potential remakes and new entries.
Two new Far Cry projects are reportedly in the pipeline, with speculation around a multiplayer shooter.
The cancellation of the Prince of Persia remake aims to redirect resources to higher-potential projects.
Ubisoft has hinted at several new IPs in progress, although details remain scarce.

Timeline: how we got here

Ubisoft’s recent challenges have been compounded over several years, with key milestones including:

August 2020: Announcement of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake.
July 2023: Tencent's investment and subsequent restructuring of the company.
October 2023: Confirmation of layoffs and project cancellations, including the Prince of Persia remake.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In a recent interview, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that several titles under the Assassin’s Creed brand are in development, aiming to expand the community that reportedly surpassed 30 million players last year. He also mentioned two promising projects in the Far Cry series, hinting at a potential Far Cry 7 and another unnamed title.

What was already established

Previously, Ubisoft had confirmed ongoing development of various Assassin’s Creed titles, including a remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and a new project codenamed Hexe. The cancellation of the multiplayer spin-off AC League has raised concerns about the direction of the franchise.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The restructuring and cancellations could affect UK gamers, particularly those anticipating the Prince of Persia remake. However, the focus on established franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry suggests that players can expect high-quality releases in the near future.

Businesses and jobs

With layoffs occurring alongside the restructuring, the impact on Ubisoft staff in the UK may be significant. The company must balance maintaining talent with its new strategic focus, which could lead to shifts in employment within the gaming sector.

Policy and regulation

Ubisoft's restructuring may attract scrutiny from regulators, especially regarding its financial practices and employment policies. As the company seeks to improve its financial health, it will need to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations in the UK.

Numbers that matter

30 million: The number of players in the Assassin’s Creed community as of last year.
Five: The number of creative houses Ubisoft is restructuring into.
Two: The number of new projects in development for the Far Cry franchise.
Several: The number of unannounced titles that were cancelled alongside the Prince of Persia remake.
One: The confirmed remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, which is highly anticipated.

Definitions and jargon buster

Creative House: A division within Ubisoft focused on developing specific franchises.
IP: Intellectual Property, referring to the unique creations owned by a company.
Extraction-based shooter: A genre of game focused on tactical gameplay where players must extract resources or objectives from a hostile environment.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Ubisoft is expected to announce more details about its upcoming projects in the near future, potentially at gaming events like Summer Game Fest. This could include insights into the creative direction of its franchises.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the restructuring takes shape, it will be critical for Ubisoft to maintain momentum in its development pipeline. Players can anticipate news on both Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry titles by early 2024.

Signals to watch

Upcoming announcements at gaming expos, particularly Summer Game Fest in June.
Release schedules for new titles hinted at by Ubisoft.
Performance metrics from released games to gauge community response.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on Ubisoft’s announcements through their official channels.
Engage with the gaming community to share insights and expectations.
Explore alternative titles from Ubisoft if you're a fan of their franchises.

Don’t

Assume all projects will meet previous franchise standards; each title may vary significantly.
Neglect to follow updates regarding layoffs and company restructuring.
Overlook the potential for new IPs that may emerge from the restructuring.

Checklist

Monitor news for announcements regarding Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry titles.
Check for updates on new IPs from Ubisoft.
Stay informed about the impact of layoffs on game development timelines.
Engage with community forums discussing Ubisoft's future projects.
Review any changes in Ubisoft's corporate strategy as they unfold.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the restructuring aims to improve Ubisoft's financial health, there are inherent risks involved. The cancellation of projects may alienate certain fan bases and lead to a perception of instability. Additionally, the success of new titles is uncertain, particularly in a competitive gaming landscape. Players should remain cautious, as future announcements may not align with expectations.

Bottom line

Ubisoft is at a crossroads, focusing on revitalising its key franchises while navigating the challenges of restructuring and project cancellations. The development of multiple Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry titles offers hope for fans, but the future remains uncertain as the company adjusts its strategy. Keeping an eye on Ubisoft's announcements will be crucial for UK gamers eager for updates.

FAQs

What Assassin's Creed titles are currently in development?

Multiple titles in the Assassin's Creed franchise are in development, including a remake of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and new projects like Hexe.

Is the Prince of Persia remake still happening?

No, the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake has been cancelled, but Ubisoft maintains it is still an active franchise.

What does Ubisoft's restructuring mean for its future games?

The restructuring into five creative houses aims to focus on high-potential projects, which may lead to improved quality and community engagement in future titles.