Ubisoft is gearing up to take a bold new approach to its popular Assassin's Creed franchise. CEO Yves Guillemot hinted at a strategic shift toward more frequent releases and ambitious remakes of classic titles in a recent interview.
Unlike its troubled attempts at remakes in the past, such as Prince of Persia and Splinter Cell, Ubisoft is unwavering in its commitment to the revival of older gems from its catalog.
A New Era for Assassin's Creed
Guillemot expressed optimism about revisiting past Assassin's Creed games, aiming to modernize them while retaining the essence that made them iconic. "There are worlds in some of our older Assassin's Creed games that are still extremely rich." While specific titles slated for remakes were not disclosed, speculation points to fan-favorites like Black Flag (which is, apparently, kind of confirmed) and the beloved Ezio trilogy as prime candidates.
Assassin's Creed has witnessed a turbulent but transformative journey. Initially criticized for its annualized releases and formulaic approach, the series underwent a major overhaul after Assassin's Creed Syndicate. Guillemot's pivot away from yearly sequels paved the way for longer development cycles, resulting in critically acclaimed entries like Origins and Odyssey.
Odyssey transcended the typical Assassin’s Creed experience with expansive RPG elements and immersive portrayal of Ancient Greece. This shift towards more intricate gameplay mechanics and deeper storytelling culminated in Valhalla, followed by the competent but not quite top-notch Mirage.
While the release period isn't strictly regimented, Ubisoft's recent pattern underscores a correlation between extended development periods and higher quality. "More time allows us to deliver richer, more polished experiences," Guillemot affirmed, pointing to Valhalla's success as a testament to this approach.
Looking ahead, Ubisoft's renewed focus on both original releases and remakes signifies a strategic convergence aimed at captivating both longtime fans and a new generation of players.