The Bright Future of Assassin's Creed

After the very successful launch of the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows last month, Ubisoft has renewed serious momentum in the franchise, and has potential to take the series in several different directions. First, it is obvious Ubisoft is currently focused on post-launch content for Shadows and consistently updating the game so that it remains in the great technical state it is today. Ubisoft still has a lot of potential to explore in Shadows itself, but there's no doubt after the positive fan feedback, they may have their eyes set on the horizon as well. 

For what we currently know of confirmed projects in the Assassin’s Creed universe, the obvious ones are the upcoming game known only as “Codename Hexe”. which aside from a brief teaser trailer and logo reveal, not much information is out about this title, which is good news for Ubisoft as they can develop the game properly without the issue of countering potential leaks that could impact development and the way the game is made. The secrecy is exactly what Ubisoft wants, and there's no doubt they will use it to their advantage.

Other projects announced or rumored is an upcoming multiplayer adventure in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Having the option to play with friends or other gamers around the world has been a welcome addition to the games that fans have loved, but there has been a major lack of such features since 2014’s Assassin’s Creed Unity, which still marks the last time Ubisoft implemented online play in any Assassin’s Creed game. This game is simply known also as a codename, and its title is “Codename Invictus”. There have been other rumored projects such as remakes of older games, but only time will tell if these games are truly in development.

Aside from confirmed or rumored projects for the franchise, there is plenty of potential for fans to request and hope for after such a big and successful launch Shadows has received thus far. Ubisoft seemingly has endless potential for the series after proof fans still love and care about this long-running and iconic franchise of games. The outpour of success that has engulfed Shadows is the only proof needed to see such a high demand even if the franchise is well over 15 years old now. Some things the developers at Ubisoft could explore are the idea of continuing remakes of older classic games, as remakes and remasters are all the rage in today's era of gaming. There is potential to build off the hype remakes can bring, and the Assassin’s Creed series dates back all the way to 2007, a time with consoles a lot less powerful

than what we have available now. Using this updated and advanced technology to recreate classic and beloved games that made the Assassin’s Creed series what it is today could be a solid move from Ubisoft.

Ubisoft can also find other ways to expand the future of the Assassin’s Creed series by branching out of just the realm of video games and into film and television, an aspect of media that Ubisoft has already ventured into when they released the Assassin’s Creed movie in 2016. Ubisoft announced a partnership with Netflix back in 2020 which would turn the series into a live-action show and animated projects in development as well. News and updates on this partnership has mostly stalled over the last five years, but assuming these shows are still in development, it offers the Assassin’s Creed series a chance to reach a whole new audience who may not be big gamers but love film and television. This could not only satisfy the non-gamers, but also has the potential to reach an audience that could be swayed to try the games if they enjoy the series. It offers a lot of options for Ubisoft to grow their fanbase and even draw new fans to the series who may have overlooked it in the past.

After several years of struggles and release disappointments from Ubisoft, they completely doubled-down on the Assassin’s Creed franchise knowing this is their guaranteed money making machine, and dedicating to their top IP that is sure to make an impact for both sales and reviews, whereas Ubisoft may admit they spent a lot of time and effort on projects that were risky and lesser known, which lead to financial difficulties and ultimately lead Ubisoft to seek assistance from the Chinese media giant Tencent to help the company remain stable despite the sales disappointments that had plagued Ubisoft for the last few years. This strategy of putting their all into Assassin’s Creed really shows their dedication to the brand, but also smart business plans to please audiences when they know if they can create a solid game, it will certainly draw fans for both sales and reviews like we have just witnessed with the recent launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. 

If there is one thing fans can be certain of, is that the Assassin’s Creed series we all know and love is not going away anytime soon. It rather, in fact, has found new life under this dedicated strategy Ubisoft has put forth to prioritize its demand for the franchise and bank in on all the positive reception and money it will inevitably make. There is so much potential in this series even well over 15 years past its creation. Fans have proven that Assassin’s Creed remains a gaming giant that even after all these years, will still deliver and provide a brilliant adventure into any time period they choose. The series is not slowing down by any means, instead it has gained new life and a beyond profitable future even years and years into its existence. The massively successful launch of Shadows has truly been the proof Ubisoft needed to be certain their last-grasp strategy will work out.