The next major entry in the Assassin’s Creed game may not launch this fall of 2016, which has become a staple annual franchise for Ubisoft since 2010.
According to a source speaking with Kotaku, the next Assassin’s Creed game will take place in ancient Egypt, and goes by the codename “Empire.” Jason Schreier of Kotaku states, in the article linked above, that he “heard last year from three different people familiar with goings-on at Ubisoft that the next big Assassin’s Creed would be set in ancient Egypt. Since this morning, two other independent sources have contacted me to corroborate that.”
The article also goes on to mention how Schreier’s sources also believed an upcoming entry in the Assassin’s Creed series will take place in ancient Greece or Rome, and that a new trilogy may be developed around the main character.
Watch Dogs 2, which is due out later this year, may take the fall slot originally populated by Assassin’s Creed. Additional Assassin’s Creed content is still due out this year, in the form of side-scrolling spin-off games, a compilation of older Assassin’s Creed games, and the new film starring Michael Fassbender.
This is very good news for both gamers and Ubisoft alike. Over the past few years especially, Ubisoft has seemingly made a much more concerted effort to listen to fans and consumers alike. Gamers want different games, and Ubisoft has made a concerted effort to offer just that. Games such as Child of Light, the Rayman series, as well as a sequel to South Park: The Stick of Truth, titled South Park: The Fractured But Whole, represent a diverse portfolio of games that can offset annualized franchises such as Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed.
Many have vocally complained of franchise fatigue, and, despite receiving very positive reviews, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate’s launch sales were significantly down when compared to Unity. Turning Assassin’s Creed into a bi-annual franchise will allow developers to iron out bugs and texture pop-in that has always plagued the series.
Finally, it is interesting to note how the game is set to take place in ancient Egypt. Ubisoft and the developers of the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry series may think that going back in time for more primitive installments could extend the longevity of their respective franchises.
What do you think? Excited? Sad? Let us know in the comments below!
