Following the commercial success of Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft is adopting a more measured approach to its game development pipeline. The company has announced plans to delay several of its major upcoming titles to ensure higher quality releases, a strategy that proved effective with its latest Assassin's Creed installment.
The Strategic Shift in Development Timeline
Ubisoft has officially confirmed it will be extending development timelines for some of its biggest productions that were originally scheduled for release during the current financial year (ending April 2026). This decision comes after what the company describes as a thorough review of its pipeline conducted between October and December. The gaming giant specifically cited the positive results it experienced with delaying Assassin's Creed Shadows, which became the second-highest day-one seller in the franchise's history despite its postponed launch.
Potential Affected Titles
While Ubisoft hasn't explicitly named which games will be affected by these delays, industry speculation suggests several high-profile projects may be impacted. The Splinter Cell remake, which was reportedly targeting a 2026 release, could see its timeline extended. Assassin's Creed Hexe, which was revealed back in 2022 but still lacks a firm release window, might also be among the delayed titles. Additionally, rumored projects like a new Ghost Recon game (previously expected in 2025 or 2026), Far Cry 7 (targeting 2026), and a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag could all face longer development cycles.
Potentially Delayed Games
- Splinter Cell Remake
- Assassin's Creed Hexe
- Rumored Ghost Recon title
- Rumored Far Cry 7
- Rumored Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake
Games Still on Track
Despite these delays, Ubisoft's release calendar isn't completely empty. The company has confirmed that strategy game sequel Anno 117 Pax Romana remains on track for its 2025 release window, while the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake is still expected to launch in 2026. Ubisoft also mentioned that additional titles planned for this financial year will be announced at a later stage, suggesting some surprises may still be in store for players.
Confirmed Games Still on Track
- Anno 117 Pax Romana (2025)
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake (2026)
Ubisoft's Organizational Changes
These development adjustments come amid significant organizational changes at Ubisoft. The company recently announced a new subsidiary in partnership with Tencent, which is investing over a billion dollars into the venture. This new entity will be responsible for three of Ubisoft's biggest franchises: Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Meanwhile, the main Ubisoft organization, which manages all other properties, is implementing cost-cutting measures and process improvements.
Financial Implications and Future Growth
CEO Yves Guillemot has expressed confidence that fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28 will see significant growth compared to 2025-26, driven by strong content from the company's largest brands. This suggests the current period of delay and restructuring is part of a longer-term strategy to strengthen Ubisoft's market position. The company has already completed its initial cost-saving program ahead of schedule and has committed to finding an additional €100 million in savings over the next two years to drive structural efficiencies.
Financial Information
- Cost savings completed: €200 million
- Additional planned savings: €100 million (over next two years)
- Tencent investment: Over €1 billion
Industry Context and Concerns
This strategy shift comes at a time when the gaming industry has faced numerous challenges, including widespread layoffs and studio closures. Ubisoft itself has cut over 700 jobs since 2023 and shuttered entire development teams. While extending development timelines may improve game quality, some industry observers have expressed concern about whether these cost savings might lead to further workforce reductions. The balance between quality improvement and cost-cutting will likely remain a point of scrutiny as Ubisoft implements these changes.