Ubisoft's Next Chapter: A Deep Dive into the New Far Cry and Assassin's Creed Games Confirmed for Development

The Strategic Backdrop: Ubisoft's Restructuring and the "Pillar" Focus

To understand the significance of this announcement, one must first look at the context. Ubisoft's early 2026 restructuring was a significant course correction, involving layoffs and the cancellation of several unannounced projects. The goal, as articulated by leadership, was a strategic refocus on its "core pillar franchises"—the proven, blockbuster series that form the bedrock of its business. Assassin's Creed and Far Cry sit squarely at the top of that list.

This renewed focus isn't just philosophical; it's structural. The development of these future titles is being spearheaded by Vantage Studios, a creative house established in 2025 and led by Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot. This entity was formed explicitly to shepherd Ubisoft's biggest brands, acting as a centralized hub for creative direction and quality oversight. The CEO's confirmation, therefore, is a statement of intent from this new engine of development: the pillars are not only secure but are being primed for their next evolution.

Far Cry's Dual Evolution: Mainline Innovation and Multiplayer Spin-Off

The Far Cry franchise, known for its sprawling open worlds and chaotic emergent gameplay, is pursuing a dual-path strategy. Ubisoft has confirmed two distinct projects are in the works, representing both evolution and expansion for the series.

The first is the next mainline entry, widely rumored to be Far Cry 7 under the internal codename Project Blackbird. While details remain officially scarce, persistent rumors suggest a significant shake-up of the classic formula. Reports point to a non-linear narrative structure, potentially giving players greater agency over the story's progression. More intriguing is the chatter around a potential time-pressure mechanic, which could introduce a persistent, ticking-clock element to the sandbox—a bold innovation that would fundamentally alter the series' "go anywhere, do anything" pace. If accurate, Project Blackbird aims to be more than just a new setting; it seeks to reinvent how players engage with the Far Cry playground.

Alongside this, the second project, codenamed Project Maverick, represents a brand extension. Described as a standalone multiplayer title, strong indications suggest it will be an extraction-style shooter set within the Far Cry universe. If reports are accurate, this would transpose the high-stakes, loot-and-survive loop of the extraction genre onto Far Cry's foundational elements of weapon variety, verticality, and environmental chaos. This project is a clear move to capture a different audience and explore new gameplay horizons under the Far Cry banner, potentially transforming its outposts and wilderness into a competitive, replayable arena.

The Assassin's Creed Multiverse: From Remakes to Dark New Horizons

For Assassin's Creed, the roadmap is even broader. Guillemot confirmed several titles are in development, spanning both single-player and multiplayer experiences. This points to a "multiverse" approach, catering to diverse fan appetites with different scales and genres.

At one end of the spectrum lies the heavily rumored Codename Obsidian—a full remake of the beloved Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Fan demand for a return to the Golden Age of Piracy has been deafening for years. Reports suggest the project was indeed in development but faced delays due to the recent restructuring. A modern remake could mean more than just a visual upgrade; it could enhance naval combat, expand the open world, and integrate quality-of-life features from newer entries, finally letting a new generation say "hello again, old friend."

At the other end is the next confirmed mainline entry: Codename Hexe. Officially revealed as the follow-up to the upcoming feudal Japan-set Shadows, Hexe promises a stark tonal shift. Set in the darkest days of the Holy Roman Empire, it is described as having a darker, witch-themed atmosphere. This suggests a move away from the action-RPG foundations of recent titles toward a potentially more horror-inflected, narrative-driven experience. It represents the franchise's continued commitment to historical tourism, but through a uniquely grim and supernatural lens.

The mention of "several titles" and "multiplayer experiences" hints at even more unannounced projects. Could we see a revival of a dedicated Assassin's Creed multiplayer component or a new experimental title? The pipeline is clearly full, indicating Ubisoft's intent to keep the Animus humming with activity on multiple fronts.

Managing Expectations: Timelines, Rumors, and Official Silence

Amidst this exciting news, a heavy dose of caution is required. Ubisoft has not announced any official release dates or windows for these projects. The confirmation from the CEO is a beacon, but the specific details—codenames like Blackbird, Maverick, and Obsidian, or mechanics like a time-pressure system—remain in the realm of rumor and report. It is crucial to distinguish between the confirmed fact of development and the prevalent speculation about what form that development will take.

Furthermore, the impact of the 2026 restructuring on development pipelines cannot be ignored. While the focus is sharper, the process of reallocating teams and resources may have adjusted internal schedules. Realistically, fans should temper expectations for imminent reveals. These are major projects for a company in a reset phase; they will likely be unveiled only when Ubisoft is confident in their trajectory and ready to commit to a public timeline.

For followers eager for credible updates, the best course is to watch for official communications from Ubisoft and Vantage Studios, while treating leaks and rumors as interesting, but unconfirmed, possibilities.

Ubisoft is charting a clear, if cautious, course forward. The future of Far Cry and Assassin's Creed is one of ambitious diversity: from the potential revolution of a mainline sequel and the genre-bending of an extraction shooter to the nostalgic comfort of a beloved remake and the dark allure of a witch-hunt narrative. This slate demonstrates a publisher leaning decisively into what it does best, even as it experiments with new formulas. The message is one of renewed focus. While patience will be essential as these projects take shape behind the closed doors of Vantage Studios, one thing is now certain: the pillars of Ubisoft's world are being rebuilt for the next generation. This focused, dual-franchise bet represents a classic industry playbook—doubling down on proven success. The real test will be whether innovation or iteration defines these upcoming chapters.

Tags: Ubisoft, Far Cry 7, Assassin's Creed Hexe, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake, Vantage Studios