Ubisoft has faced a challenging year. Despite being a well-known name in the gaming world, their release of “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora” last December barely made a ripple. “Skull and Bones” was not the game worth an eight-year wait, and “The Division Heartland” never made it to release. Even “Star Wars Outlaws” fell short of expectations. Adding to these setbacks, the company laid off over 700 employees, including many who worked on “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” one of the few Ubisoft games to earn praise this year. With all this turbulence, the spotlight is now on the Assassin’s Creed series to bring some stability.
In response, Ubisoft is developing at least six major Assassin’s Creed titles. It seems about time the publisher draws back the curtain on some of these projects.
The focal point of anticipation is “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” which is slated for release on February 14, 2025, after a delay from its original November launch. The upcoming game promises to immerse players in the mythical Sengoku period of Japan, featuring dual protagonists Naoe, who adopts stealth tactics, and Yasuke, who is skilled in combat. Players can anticipate navigating a vast open world, packed with activities and treasures to discover.
Ubisoft isn’t stopping there; it has multiple Assassin’s Creed games in the works. “Assassin’s Creed Jade” is poised to make a comeback in 2025, following an initial reveal back in September 2022. This mobile-exclusive entry will be set in 3rd Century BC China, allowing players to guard its inhabitants from the Xiongnu raiders. A first for the franchise, Jade will offer players the opportunity to create custom characters.
Then there’s “Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe,” which, since its 2022 announcement, has remained shrouded in mystery. The game is rumored to explore the 17th-century Holy Roman Empire during the witch trials, hinting at a dark, intriguing narrative which may see the light in 2025.
Moreover, “Assassin’s Creed: Codename Invictus” is yet another project with little known about it, though whispers suggest it’s a multiplayer experience, perhaps live-service oriented. A teaser may emerge in 2025, potentially during the summer’s Ubisoft Forward event.
Fans and rumor mills have long speculated about a potential “Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag” remake. There’s talk it was once aimed for a late 2025 release, though delays elsewhere might change that timeline.
Additionally, Ubisoft is working on what’s codenamed Assassin’s Creed Infinity, a live-service platform expected to be an integral part of the series moving forward. This hub might launch in tandem with “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” offering a vibrant and connected gaming experience.
As February approaches, the anticipation builds around “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.” Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, players will navigate a beautifully crafted world, transitioning seamlessly between the roles of a skilled shinobi Assassin and a legendary samurai. Each protagonist provides a unique path through the chaos of the era, from the agility of a shinobi to the brute strength of a samurai, enriching the narrative and gameplay.
This diversification in Assassin’s Creed’s offerings showcases Ubisoft’s efforts to reach a broader array of gamers while rehabilitating its reputation in the industry. The future might be challenging for Ubisoft, but the Assassin’s Creed franchise seems poised to lead the way out of the company’s current slump.
