Ubisoft is doubling down on its two most lucrative franchises, with multiple new Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry titles in active development under its newly formed Vantage Studios. The announcement comes as the publisher consolidates its operations into five creative houses, a restructuring that has already triggered leadership changes, layoffs, and legal disputes.
The move signals a strategic pivot toward sustaining its core franchises, which collectively boast a player base exceeding 30 million. While the details of the upcoming games remain scant, sources indicate a mix of single-player and multiplayer experiences for Assassin’s Creed, alongside two distinct Far Cry projects—one rumored to be a direct sequel, the other a live-service multiplayer venture.
Restructuring and Leadership Controversy
Vantage Studios, the first of Ubisoft’s five creative houses, will oversee Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Its co-CEO roles have been filled by Christophe Derennes—a 35-year Ubisoft veteran with credits across multiple studios—and Charlie Guillemot, the CEO’s son. Derennes’ appointment underscores his deep institutional knowledge, having previously led Ubisoft Montreal, while Charlie Guillemot’s inclusion has sparked criticism over perceived nepotism.
Guillemot dismissed such concerns, framing the decision as part of Ubisoft’s family-driven culture. However, the appointment follows the forced departure of Marc-Alexis Côté, the former head of Assassin’s Creed, who had refused a demoted role under the new structure. Côté later sued the company for constructive dismissal, alleging he was pushed out after resisting the leadership shift. His departure marks a significant loss for the franchise, which has seen declining player engagement in recent years.
Pipeline and Challenges
The new projects reflect Ubisoft’s attempt to revitalize its flagship brands amid financial strain. The company’s stock hit a 15-year low following January’s restructuring, which included studio closures and cancellations such as the Prince of Persia remake. While Tencent’s investment has provided temporary stability, the need for a sustainable pipeline is urgent.
For developers, the consolidation into creative houses could streamline decision-making but risks alienating talent accustomed to independent studio operations. The appointment of Guillemot’s son as a co-leader may also set a precedent for future leadership, though his experience—limited to a single mobile title and a Web3 startup—has raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, Far Cry’s future hinges on whether the upcoming projects can replicate the series’ peak in the early 2010s, when titles like Far Cry 3 and 4 redefined open-world design.
Ubisoft’s ability to execute on these ambitions will depend on retaining key personnel and balancing creative risk with market demand. The restructuring, while necessary, carries the risk of further destabilizing a franchise portfolio that has long been the backbone of its revenue.
