Ubisoft, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, finds itself at a pivotal moment. With iconic franchises like Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, the company has a rich history of creating memorable gaming experiences.
However, recent conversations among gamers, developers, and industry insiders reveal a growing sentiment: Ubisoft needs to evolve.
This sentiment came through loud and clear in a recent discussion on LinkedIn. Let’s explore the key takeaways from that conversation and unpack what they mean for Ubisoft’s future.
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The Challenge of Repetition
Dylan Matheson, a programmer and 3D artist, hit the nail on the head when he said Ubisoft has a habit of sticking to what works. Their games often build on a tried-and-true formula—explore a map, unlock areas, complete missions, repeat. It’s a structure that has served them well, but as Dylan pointed out, “the core loop becomes stale” when players see the same mechanics recycled across games.
Paul Burrows, another industry veteran, agreed, describing Ubisoft’s current games as having a “cut and paste” feel. He joked about players often stopping halfway through because the games feel too predictable. This highlights a key issue: repetition might work for a while, but eventually, it turns players away.
The Power of Nostalgia
While some criticize Ubisoft for repetition, others see an opportunity to breathe new life into older titles. Alessandro Palagano, a senior lighting artist, suggested that Ubisoft could remake classics like Far Cry 1 and Far Cry 2. These games, he said, hold a special place in the hearts of longtime fans and could attract both nostalgic players and a new generation if updated thoughtfully.
Alessandro’s perspective is supported by industry trends. Remakes and remasters have seen great success recently — look at the buzz around Final Fantasy VII Remake or Resident Evil 2. Done right, they can reignite interest in a franchise while giving players something familiar yet fresh.
However, Simon McGrath raised a valid counterpoint: not every old game has enough appeal to make a big comeback. He argued that Ubisoft’s deeper issue isn’t about revisiting classics but about moving away from repetitive game mechanics that make all their titles feel the same.
Missed Opportunities in Storytelling
Another aspect that’s been overlooked is storytelling. Prakhar Pundir, a game developer, pointed out that Ubisoft’s focus on gameplay mechanics often overshadow compelling narratives. He mentioned Prince of Persia as a prime example. After the success of The Two Thrones, the series deserved an outstanding sequel that never came.
Strong stories could help Ubisoft stand out in a crowded market. Games aren’t just about mechanics; they’re also about immersing players in worlds and characters they care about. Reviving franchises like Prince of Persia with a narrative-driven focus could be a game-changer.
The Switch 2 and Steam: New Platforms, New Hope?
Recent news suggests that Ubisoft is also eyeing new platforms to stay relevant. Rumors indicate they’re planning over six games for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, including popular franchises like The Division and Rainbow Six Siege. Titles like Assassin’s Creed: Mirage are expected at launch, showing Ubisoft’s intent to expand its audience.
Additionally, Ubisoft has been updating its older games on Steam, adding achievements to titles like Far Cry 4. They’ve even promised that all future releases will be available on Steam from day one. These moves show that Ubisoft is trying to appeal to both new players and longtime fans by making their games more accessible and rewarding.
What’s Next for Ubisoft?
So, where does this leave Ubisoft? The consensus from the discussion is clear: the company needs to strike a balance.
- Revive Classics with Modern Twists: As Alessandro suggested, remakes of beloved games could draw in nostalgic fans and reintroduce younger audiences to these classics.
- Create Fresh Experiences: As Simon argued, Ubisoft must innovate beyond its current formulas and invest in new ideas to keep players engaged.
- Focus on Storytelling: Prakhar’s point about narrative-driven games highlights an opportunity for Ubisoft to set itself apart with memorable, compelling stories.
- Leverage New Platforms: Expanding to platforms like the Switch 2 and updating games on Steam shows promise, but success will depend on offering fresh and meaningful experiences.
This discussion is far from over. Should Ubisoft focus on reviving its classics, or is it time to double down on creating new, bold experiences? How important are stories in games compared to mechanics and innovation?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation on LinkedIn here and let’s discuss what the future of Ubisoft could look like.
Ubisoft’s journey is a reflection of a broader challenge faced by many creative industries: balancing familiarity with the need for innovation. Whether they succeed or not will depend on their ability to listen to players, take risks, and adapt to a rapidly changing market.
Thank you for reading, and let’s keep this conversation going.
Best regards,
Reinout te Brake
Founder, RTB Game Ventures & Game Dive
📱 Mobile: +31 6 5755 4995
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reinouttebrake
For a deeper insights into Ubisoft’s current situation, check out this deep dive
