Following the recent appointment of a veteran leadership team to steer the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Ubisoft has provided a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for the iconic series. At the helm of this new era is Jean Guesdon, the acclaimed creative director behind Black Flag and Origins, who now serves as the brand’s Head of Content. In a recent state-of-the-franchise address, Guesdon touched upon everything from current support for Shadows to enigmatic new projects like Hexe and Invictus, even dropping a heavy hint regarding a certain seafaring remake.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the latest updates from the world of the Brotherhood:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Year of Shinobi and Samurai
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches its first anniversary on March 20, Ubisoft is beginning to transition the title into its final phase of post-launch support. Guesdon noted that while major content drops are tapering off in favor of smaller, refined updates, the team still has “a few surprises” in store for the community. He specifically highlighted recent improvements to the parkour mechanics, which were implemented directly in response to player feedback, as the studio gradually shifts its focus toward the next mainline entry.
Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe: Embracing the Occult
While Ubisoft has been characteristically secretive regarding Codename Hexe, Guesdon—who is also leading the project as creative director—offered a glimpse into its tone. Set during the 17th-century witch trials of the Holy Roman Empire, Hexe promises a “unique, darker, narrative-driven” experience. Guesdon emphasized that the team is taking the necessary time to fulfill its “ambitious vision,” suggesting that while the game will remain under wraps for a while longer, it represents a bold departure for the series.
Assassin’s Creed Codename Invictus: A New Competitive Frontier
Developed by For Honor veterans at Ubisoft Montreal, Codename Invictus is a dedicated PvP multiplayer project. Guesdon was quick to dispel recent rumors suggesting the game would adopt a cartoonish or “party game” aesthetic similar to Fall Guys. Instead, he described it as a fresh approach to multiplayer that remains true to the franchise’s DNA. Ubisoft plans to involve the community earlier in the development process through playtesting to help refine the competitive experience.
The Return of the High Seas: Black Flag Remake Tease
Though an official announcement remains elusive, Guesdon all but confirmed the persistent rumors of an Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remake. Invoking the Assassin’s Creed mantra, he remarked, “Nothing is true. Everything is permitted… well, except in this case, some whispers have a little more wind in their sails.” This nautical pun has all but convinced fans that Edward Kenway’s Caribbean adventure is being modernized for current-gen hardware.
Expanding the Universe: Netflix and Performance Patches
The franchise’s reach continues to expand beyond gaming. The live-action Netflix series, produced by talent from Westworld and Halo, is progressing steadily. Guesdon teased that fans “won’t have to wait very long” for a formal update on the production.
In more immediate news, legacy players have cause for celebration: a 60 FPS patch for Assassin’s Creed Unity is launching tomorrow for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, bringing newfound fluidity to the streets of revolutionary Paris. Furthermore, Xbox owners can explore various titles in the series for free this weekend through the Xbox Free Play Days program.
Future Projects and the Return of Co-op
- Assassin’s Creed Jade: The ambitious mobile RPG set in Ancient China remains in active development.
- Cooperative Gameplay: Guesdon revealed that Ubisoft is actively exploring a return to co-op play. While one internal prototype was recently pivoted, the lessons learned are being integrated into future projects to ensure a seamless social experience.
Which of these upcoming projects has you most excited to synchronize? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
