Tag: Ubisoft

January 4, 2025
Ubisoft’s Future Rests on Assassin’s Creed, Insider Claims
During the 2000s and early 2010s, Ubisoft was a top choice for gamers, enjoying huge success with series like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Yet, the company’s luck took a turn for the worse, reaching a new low in 2024. Every major game released that year failed to meet expectations. Some notable disappointments included:
The Downfall of the Ubisoft Formula
The excessive reliance on the “Ubisoft formula,” which is characterized by repetitive gameplay, cluttered maps, and a lack of new ideas, has led to rising discontent among gamers and critics. This growing frustration is worsened by technical glitches, frequent bugs, and the presence of microtransactions in games that are already sold at full price. Consequently, Ubisoft faces increasing pressure to implement meaningful changes, with the company’s future possibly resting on developments in this year.
A Crucial Moment Ahead
Gaming insider Jason Schreier pointed out Ubisoft’s delicate situation in a recent Bloomberg article regarding the gaming industry in 2025. He portrayed the company as being at a critical juncture, with its future likely determined by how well Assassin’s Creed Shadows performs. The game’s launch, which has already been pushed back to February 2025, could be crucial for Ubisoft’s direction.
If the game launches successfully, it might provide the necessary space for internal changes, but a poor reception could mean tough decisions ahead. Reports suggest that options like privatization or selling the company are on the table. Companies such as Tencent Holdings Ltd., a Chinese tech giant that already has a stake in Ubisoft, along with Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, have shown interest in potentially acquiring the company.
Source: Link
Tags: Assassin’s Creed, Tencent Holdings, Ubisoft
December 12, 2024
Ubisoft Reveals New Combat Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been pushed back, with the new launch date set for February 14, 2025. While this news is disappointing for fans eager to dive into the latest installment, there is a silver lining: the developers are actively keeping the community informed.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Ubisoft previously shared details about the stealth mechanics, highlighting various innovative features designed to elevate the stealth aspect of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Recently, they provided insights into the combat gameplay, which also brings fresh mechanics into the mix.
Character Combat Styles
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can select between two characters, Naoe and Yasuke. According to Ubisoft’s latest insights, each character has a unique combat approach. Naoe specializes in evasion for defense, while Yasuke leans more towards blocking incoming attacks.
Tactical Combat Layers
The game introduces new mechanics that allow players to perform charge attacks, which inflict significant damage, and Posture Attacks that can break enemy defenses. This adds a strategic dimension to the combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Additionally, players can put enemies into a vulnerable state, similar to mechanics seen in Ghost of Tsushima. This state is triggered by fulfilling specific conditions, like executing a perfect dodge. Once in this state, players can unleash powerful counterattacks, encouraging them to refine their timing and defensive skills.
In a recent blog post, Ubisoft detailed various attacks that players should keep in mind while navigating Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Reading through this can provide valuable insights into the game’s dynamic combat systems.
Source: Link
Tags: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Lenovo Legion Go, Ubisoft
November 25, 2024
Microsoft Warns Ubisoft Games May Freeze on Windows 11 24H2
Microsoft has announced that the Windows 11 24H2 update might lead to issues with certain Ubisoft games. The titles impacted include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Temporary Fix for Star Wars Outlaws
Ubisoft has provided a temporary hotfix (v1.41) for Star Wars Outlaws. However, Microsoft warns that players could still face performance issues while playing this game. To address this, the company has “applied a compatibility hold” on devices where these games are present, meaning the 24H2 update won’t be available for those devices.
Guidance for Users
Additionally, Microsoft advises against manually installing the 24H2 update through the Windows assistant or media creation tool until the problems are fixed. In the meantime, if users encounter issues while playing, Microsoft suggests force-closing the games. This can be accomplished by opening Task Manager (using Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and right-clicking on the game’s executable in the Processes tab to select End Task.
Source: Link
Tags: 24H2 update, Ubisoft, Windows 11
October 29, 2024
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Update: Steam Deck Support and Optimization
Ubisoft has officially stated that Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available for the Valve Steam Deck at its launch. Now, the company is enhancing this experience by adding a special Steam Deck mode, which includes optimizations to ensure the game performs well on the Steam Deck’s less powerful hardware.
Automatic Settings for Smooth Gameplay
As per a recent update shared in the Ubisoft Discord community and on the game’s Steam Store page, starting October 29, Assassin’s Creed Mirage will have the ability to automatically recognize when it’s being played on the Steam Deck. It will then apply optimized settings to maintain smooth frame rates. Since it’s a PC port, players still have the option to adjust settings to their liking afterward; however, Ubisoft encourages users to stick with the defaults.
Recommended Presets for Best Experience
The game will automatically identify your Steam Deck and utilize default settings aimed at enhancing performance on this particular device. For a seamless experience while following Basim’s journey, it is advisable to continue using the suggested presets.
Uncertainty About Default Settings
It’s not yet clear what the default settings for Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be on the Steam Deck. Overkill discovered that a balanced combination of medium and low settings—occasionally high settings—at the Deck’s native resolution could maintain a steady 30 FPS, but Ubisoft might be aiming for a higher frame rate. There is also uncertainty about how this will impact other Linux users with more robust hardware; backing up in-game settings before the update could be prudent.
This announcement follows Ubisoft’s commitment to releasing games on Steam on the same day they launch, starting with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This means that future Assassin‘s Creed titles are likely to have similar support for the Steam Deck.
Ubisoft via Discord, Steam, Overkill
Tags: Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Steam Deck, Ubisoft
October 4, 2024
Ubisoft Could Release Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake Soon
Ubisoft has been making headlines quite a bit lately, more than it typically does. After the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, new information has surfaced about the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake, which is codenamed Obsidian. This remake was initially set to launch in November 2025. However, with the delay of AC Shadows pushed to February 2025, this could affect the timeline for the Black Flag project. According to Marc-Alexis Côté, the executive producer, the delay of Shadows won’t just have an impact on the Black Flag remake; it will also alter Ubisoft’s overall Assassin’s Creed release strategy. There are around 10 titles planned for the next five years, if we trust the report from Insider Gaming.
Gameplay Insights
Insider Gaming has also reported that they managed to obtain gameplay footage from the Black Flag Remake. The footage features Edward Kenway, the pirate protagonist from AC Black Flag, who is sailing using an enhanced Anvil Engine. This suggests that the game is progressing well in development. Even though Ubisoft’s schedule has been shifting, it seems the Black Flag Remake could possibly launch sooner than anticipated, according to some sources.
Future Prospects
The development of the Black Flag Remake, along with other projects like the mobile game Assassin’s Creed Jade, indicates that Ubisoft is still dedicated to its flagship franchise. This is notable, especially as the company faces some challenges, including a drop in stock prices, with Tencent and the Guillemot Family considering a buyout. It’s likely that some of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed release dates may undergo changes in the near future. Fans should look out for more information about the adjusted timeline soon, but for now, it’s uncertain if Ubisoft can regain its footing after Star Wars: Outlaws did not perform well in the market.
Insider Gaming
Tags: Assassin’s Creed, Black Flag Remake, Ubisoft
October 3, 2024
Ubisoft to Introduce Co-Op Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft has recently announced that the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been pushed back. Initially scheduled for November 12, the game will now debut in mid-February 2025. As mentioned in our previous reports, this delay is said to be necessary for polishing the game and fulfilling fan expectations.
New Co-op Mode on the Horizon
While the delay might be disheartening for fans eager to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there’s a silver lining. According to Tom Henderson, a well-known insider, Ubisoft is working on a cooperative mode for the game, which is set to be added through an update after its release.
The insider shared few details on this cooperative mode, which is codenamed "LEAGUE." It has been under development for a significant time, so it’s not a factor in the game’s postponement.
More Multiplayer Experiences Coming
Tom also mentioned that this won’t be the only multiplayer option in the franchise. He pointed to the rumored Assassin’s Creed Invictus, which is anticipated to be a game focused on multiplayer and is expected to launch next year. This game is said to provide a completely different feeling compared to other titles in the series.
According to leakster @xj0nathan, Assassin’s Creed Invictus will allow players to compete against one another in various modes, including free-for-all and team deathmatch. The tipster also indicated that the gameplay would be arcade-like, featuring elements reminiscent of well-known games such as Super Smash Bros.
Nostalgic Maps and Characters
Invictus is rumored to include maps inspired by previous Assassin’s Creed games, and it may feature beloved characters like Ezio and Cesare Borgia as playable options. If these reports are accurate—especially regarding the co-op mode for Shadows—Ubisoft could potentially regain many players who were dissatisfied with some of the less successful recent releases in the franchise.
Insider Gaming
Tags: Assassin’s Creed Invictus, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Ubisoft
October 1, 2024
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delay Explained: Game Wasn’t Ready
The first look at gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that fans have eagerly anticipated for years, was finally revealed in June 2024. However, this initial showcase sparked significant controversy, particularly within the Japanese gaming community. Many Japanese fans expressed their anger regarding Yasuke, one of the two main characters in AC Shadows, and pointed out various historical and cultural inaccuracies attributed to Ubisoft.
Release Delayed for Improvements
In response to the backlash, Ubisoft decided to postpone the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to February 2025. According to Insider Gaming, this decision was not made hastily; developers had been advocating for a delay for some time. Following the lukewarm reception of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft was cautious about launching another title that could fall short of sales expectations. The new release date aims to provide developers with additional time to resolve bugs and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Addressing Cultural Concerns
Insider Gaming reports that Ubisoft is also committed to tackling the cultural and historical concerns raised by fans after the game’s first reveal. These issues reportedly stemmed from a tight development timeline that led to cost-cutting measures. Moreover, the studio did not enlist experts in a timely manner to ensure the historical, cultural, and architectural fidelity of the game.
According to claims from Insider Gaming, Assassin’s Creed Shadows "is currently not at the stage it needs to be for release," a sentiment echoed by PH Brazil. The leaker indicates that the game is currently plagued with bugs, which influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the launch, as they wanted to avoid releasing a flawed AC title.
Sales Expectations and Future Outlook
On the sales front, PH Brazil also claims that Ubisoft has set an internal target of 10 million units for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company believes it can achieve this goal if the game is launched in a stable condition with minimal bugs, as they are reportedly pleased with the overall quality of the game.
In summary, it seems that Ubisoft’s decision to push back the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has provided developers with much-needed time to improve the game. Fans hope this extra time leads to a polished experience, unlike the one offered by Star Wars Outlaws.
Insider Gaming, PH Brazil on YouTube (Portuguese) via r/GamingLeaksAndRumors
Tags: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, game delay, Ubisoft
October 1, 2024
Star Wars Outlaws Sales Disappoint as Ubisoft Reveals Update Plan
Ubisoft’s unveiling of the gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws in June 2023 sparked considerable excitement among fans. With stunning graphics, famous Star Wars settings, a vast open world, and the promise of an engaging adventure, the game appeared to have it all. However, disappointment set in when the final product did not live up to Ubisoft’s initial claims.
Mixed Reviews and Sales
The game faced numerous challenges, including bugs, poor enemy AI, and average combat mechanics, resulting in a MetaScore of 76 and a user score of 5.4 out of 10. While it hasn’t been deemed a complete failure, both critics and players have expressed lukewarm feelings about it. This sentiment is reflected in the game’s sales numbers, which have reportedly been underwhelming.
As reported by Insider Gaming, Star Wars Outlaws has sold only 1 million copies a month after its release, falling short of Ubisoft’s projections. In comparison, Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor quickly dominated the US sales charts just two days post-launch in April 2023, reportedly selling millions of copies within the first 11 days, marking a stark contrast to the sales figures for Star Wars Outlaws.
Upcoming Updates and Improvements
Despite the initial setbacks, Ubisoft appears committed to rectifying the game’s shortcomings and has shared a roadmap for updates.
The first update, focusing on “bug fixes and improvements,” is scheduled for October 3. This will be succeeded by a second update on October 24, aimed at providing “quality of life improvements.” A month later, on November 21, Ubisoft plans to release a significant update that will address the game’s combat and stealth mechanics, which have been major points of concern for fans. This update will also introduce new contracts for players to explore.
Additionally, the November 21 update will include the inaugural story expansion titled “Wild Card,” marking the first of two anticipated post-launch DLCs for the game.
Ultimately, only time will reveal the impact of Ubisoft’s planned fixes and additional content on the game’s long-term success and reception.
Insider Gaming, Ubisoft
Tags: PlayStation 5, Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft
September 25, 2024
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed to Valentine’s Day 2024
A recent announcement from Ubisoft has revealed that the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been postponed to February 14, 2025. The game was initially slated for November 12, 2024, but the development team needs additional time to enhance important aspects, such as the stealth mechanics and the dual-protagonist system. This information was shared through a tweet from the official @assassinscreed account on X/Twitter.
Delays and Cancellations
This postponement follows Ubisoft’s decision to cancel its appearance at the Tokyo Game Show and the planned press previews, which raised questions about the viability of the November release. In light of this situation, Ubisoft assured fans that all preorders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be refunded. Additionally, future preorders will come with a complimentary first expansion as a gesture of goodwill.
Developer’s Statement
Marc-Alexis Côté, the executive producer of the delayed title, expressed the following on behalf of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows team:
"We understand this decision will come as disappointing news, especially to those who’ve been waiting patiently for an Assassin’s Creed game inspired by Feudal Japan, but we sincerely believe this is in the best interest of the game, and ultimately your experience as a player."
Côté has played a significant role in the Assassin’s Creed series, having previously contributed to titles like Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Tags: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, game delay, Ubisoft
September 25, 2024
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Previews Canceled, Ubisoft Skips TGS 2024
Ubisoft has announced that it will not participate in its online event at the Tokyo Game Show, citing “various circumstances.” This news was shared through an official tweet from Ubisoft Japan, where the company expressed regret for the late notice. They also reassured fans that their ongoing giveaway campaign will continue, despite the cancellation of the event, which was set for September 26, 2024. No specific reasons were given for this decision, and it’s worth noting that Ubisoft has previously had to apologize to its Japanese audience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Previews Canceled
In a related development, Insider Gaming has reported that Ubisoft has also canceled the scheduled press previews for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These previews were expected to take place next week, with an embargo date that was yet to be announced. Fans of the franchise may be disappointed by this news.
Release Date Still Uncertain
Despite these cancellations, there is currently no indication that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be released on November 12, 2024, as planned. However, the game has already faced negative feedback, and given Ubisoft’s recent challenges, there are speculations about potential delays. Insider Gaming suggests that falling share prices and increasing pressure from investors might be contributing factors. Additionally, the cancellation of the previews does not improve Ubisoft’s standing.
Now, all eyes are on Ubisoft to see if they can stick to their release timeline. We will have to wait for another official announcement for clarity on this matter.
Insider Gaming and @UBISOFT_JAPAN via X/Twitter
Tags: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Tokyo Game Show, Ubisoft