Ubisoft Cancels ‘Assassin’s Creed Legacy’ Multiplayer Game Amid Restructuring
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Amidst a sweeping company overhaul, Ubisoft has reportedly shelved plans for a standalone multiplayer title within the Assassin’s Creed universe, known as Assassin’s Creed Legacy.The cancellation is the latest in a series of cut projects following a major restructuring initiative announced recently, signaling a important shift in the company’s strategic direction.
Ubisoft’s recent restructuring has already led to the cancellation of six games, including a remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. However, the company’s ambitions didn’t end there, with Assassin’s Creed Legacy now joining the list of abandoned projects, according to reports. A separate, standalone multiplayer experience based on Assassin’s Creed was also placed on hold.
from Expansion to Standalone Project
originally conceived as an extension to the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Assassin’s Creed Legacy evolved into its own distinct project. The game, set during feudal Japan – mirroring the setting of Shadows – was envisioned to support cooperative gameplay for up to four players.
According to facts obtained by French gaming news outlet Origami through conversations with multiple Ubisoft employees, the project aimed to deliver a unique assassin experience focused on multiplayer interaction. The progress team, Ubisoft Annecy, has a proven track record in crafting multiplayer components for the franchise, having previously contributed to Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, Assassin’s Creed Unity, and Assassin’s Creed 4: Black flag.
Testing Plans Halted by joint Venture
ubisoft Annecy had reportedly planned to initiate closed testing of Assassin’s Creed Legacy in May to assess the game’s viability and identify areas for improvement. However, these plans were abruptly halted following the launch of Vantage, a joint venture between Ubisoft and Tencent that assumes control over the Assassin’s Creed series. The decision to discontinue Legacy came as a direct result of this new partnership.
The shift in direction has been met with a “rather lukewarm reception” from both fans and investors, one analyst noted. Ubisoft’s share price experienced a significant decline following the declaration, and reports indicate that employees are considering strike action. A former developer, quoted anonymously, lamented, “The best thing I’ve ever done, and now no one gets to see it.”
The cancellations and restructuring underscore a period of significant upheaval for Ubisoft as it navigates a changing gaming landscape and a new strategic partnership.
why did Ubisoft cancel Assassin’s Creed Legacy? Ubisoft cancelled Assassin’s Creed Legacy as a direct result of a new strategic partnership with Tencent, formalized through the joint venture Vantage. This partnership led to a shift in the company’s direction and a refocusing of resources.
Who was involved? Key players include Ubisoft, Tencent (through the Vantage joint venture), Ubisoft Annecy (the development team), and the employees and former developers impacted by the cancellations.
What was Assassin’s Creed Legacy? Assassin’s Creed Legacy was a planned standalone multiplayer title set in feudal Japan, designed to support cooperative gameplay for up to four players. It evolved from an expansion to Assassin’s Creed Shadows into its own project.
How did it end? The project was halted when Vantage took control of the Assassin’s Creed series. Planned closed testing in May was cancelled, and the game was ultimately shelved, contributing to a wave of cancellations and restructuring within Ubisoft. The decision has been met with negative reactions from fans, investors, and employees.
