The next installment of one of the most popular annualized franchises may have been leaked. Code-named Empire, Ubisoft’s next game is rumored to be set in Ancient Egypt. What is even more intriguing is the predicted release date in 2017. This would break the series six-year cycle of releases. Bear in mind this is all speculation and rumors since Ubisoft has yet to confirm this.
The source of the leak comes from the 4chan boards, where an anonymous poster is claiming to be a developer at Ubisoft. “Egypt. There won’t be an AC in 2016. You’ll have to wait until 2017 for it.”
Independent sources at Kotaku have also had similar details, increasing the chances of this leak being true via Jason Schreier. It should be noted that the source is an anon 4chan poster.
While Assassins Creed has always been a popular franchise, signs of fatigue are definitely beginning to show. Assassin’s Creed Unity was not well-received by critics, mostly due to the game’s technical faults. Many believe that the game was buggy, inconsistent and rushed to market to meet the November release date. As a result sales for the following game Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, have been down compared to previous titles (even though it has been getting higher ratings).
The anonymous source on the 4chan boards hints at the new installment trying to mix things up.
“The game is going for a Witcher feel, with player progression, free form combat system. Horse and boat is back too.The story is set before the Assassins and Templars even existed. This is basically a prequel to all ACs.”
Taking 2016 off is beneficial in two ways: firstly, it gives the developers more time to make the game run better and maybe interject some fresh ideas into the formulaic sandbox gameplay, creating an overall better experience. Secondly, it allows fans time to get excited and increase the desire to play the new installment. This could lead to better sales as a result.
Ancient Egypt sounds like an exciting opportunity for new possibilities. Imagine scaling pyramids, raiding tombs, solving hieroglyph puzzles and fighting mummies! (joking on the last one). I am still holding out for a feudal Japan setting to come in the future (make it happen Ubisoft). What are your thoughts on Egypt being the next environment? Do you like that we may be going a year with an Assassin’s Creed game? Let us know in the comments below.
