Earlier this month, reports emerged that Ubisoft was radically changing the direction of the Assassin’s Creed series by dropping the current model of regular new releases and instead adopting a live service approach with an upcoming live service ongoing platform that will expand and change over time. Shortly afterward, Ubisoft confirmed these reports, announcing that the project, codenamed Assassin’s Creed Infinity, is in early development, with Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Quebec collaborating on it.
Since its announcement, many have been concerned about the series seems to be taking, with questions cropping up about whether, with its new live service approach focused on a single evolving game, the series will stop focusing on the single player narrative-driven content it’s always been known for. Ubisoft says that at least on that front, you have nothing to worry about.
Speaking during the company’s recent quarterly earnings call (via VGC), Ubisoft CFO Frédérick Duguet said that Assassin’s Creed Infinity – which he describes as “an exciting and ambitious” project – is going to remain committed to preserving the series’ DNA, and will continue to deliver “high-quality narrative experiences.”
“Regarding the project codename Infinity, we have exciting plans for the future that have the potential to significantly expand both the brand’s reach and the recurring profile while holding true to Assassin’s Creed’s legacy of rich narrative experiences.” Duguet said. “It is in the early stages of development and we will share more details in due time.”
Duguet says that with the new model, consistent and continuous collaboration between the two Assassin’s Creed studios will allow the series to evolve and progress in a more cohesive fashion. “Rather than continuing to pass the baton from game to game, we profoundly believe this is an opportunity for one of Ubisoft’s most beloved franchises to evolve in a more integrated and collaborative manner that’s less centred on studios and more focused on talent and leadership, no matter where they are within Ubisoft.”
Either way, it’s clear that Assassin’s Creed Infinity is still a long ways off, being in early development and everything. Reports suggest that the game won’t launch for at least three years yet. Here’s hoping we learn some encouraging things about the project in that period.