Ubisoft CEO Confirms Multiple Major Franchise Projects in Development
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has provided significant updates on the company's development pipeline, confirming two Far Cry projects and multiple Assassin's Creed titles while addressing the cancellation of the Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time remake. The revelations come during a period of substantial restructuring for the French video game publisher, which has faced financial challenges following several commercial disappointments.
Major Restructuring and Creative Reorganization
Following a strategic bailout from Chinese conglomerate Tencent, Ubisoft has implemented a sweeping corporate reorganization that divides the company into five distinct creative houses. This restructuring includes the recently launched Vantage Studios subsidiary, which now controls Ubisoft's most valuable intellectual properties including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.
The reorganization has unfortunately resulted in workforce reductions and project cancellations, including the troubled Prince Of Persia remake and four unannounced titles comprising three new intellectual properties and one mobile game. Despite these cuts, Guillemot has clarified which major projects remain in active development across Ubisoft's studios.
Assassin's Creed Expansion Plans
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Guillemot detailed Ubisoft's ambitious plans for the Assassin's Creed franchise. 'Under the Assassin's Creed brand, several titles are in development, spanning both single-player and multiplayer experiences,' the CEO confirmed. 'Our ambition is to further grow a community that exceeded 30 million players last year.'
Among these projects is the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake, which has received multiple unofficial confirmations. Additional known projects include the witch-themed Hexe and a multiplayer spin-off previously codenamed AC League, though reports suggest this latter project may have been cancelled earlier this month.
Two Far Cry Projects Confirmed
Guillemot specifically confirmed that Ubisoft currently has 'two very promising projects in development' within the Far Cry franchise. While one is almost certainly the inevitable Far Cry 7, the second project remains shrouded in mystery. Industry rumors suggest this could be Project Maverick, a multiplayer-focused extraction shooter that has been discussed in development circles for some time.
Prince Of Persia Franchise Status Clarified
Addressing the cancellation of the Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time remake, Guillemot emphasized that the franchise remains an active part of Ubisoft's portfolio. 'While such decisions are never easy, they allow us to concentrate our talent on the highest-potential projects and ensure that every release meets the quality our players expect,' he explained.
The CEO further clarified: 'Prince Of Persia remains a beloved and active brand and continues to play an important role in our Creative Houses portfolio and long-term strategy.' This statement provides reassurance to fans concerned about the franchise's future following the remake's cancellation.
Additional Projects and Future Announcements
Beyond these established franchises, Guillemot teased upcoming announcements regarding Rayman following the recent remaster's success. The CEO also confirmed that Ubisoft has 'several new IPs in progress' though declined to provide specific details about these original projects.
The timing for these announcements remains uncertain, with Summer Game Fest in June representing the next logical venue for major reveals. However, given Ubisoft's recent financial difficulties, there appears to be increased urgency to bring some of these projects to market sooner rather than later.
This comprehensive update from Ubisoft's leadership provides clarity about the company's development priorities following its significant restructuring. While some projects have been cancelled, the confirmation of multiple major franchise titles in development suggests Ubisoft remains committed to its core properties while exploring new creative directions.
