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Assassin's Creed, one of Ubisoft's flagship franchises, may soon experience a significant shift in its development approach. According to a senior Ubisoft official, future titles in the series could enjoy longer development cycles, a move that many fans have been advocating for over the years. This change could result in more polished games, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the franchise. A Shift from Annual Releases to Extended Development The Assassin's Creed series once followed a rigorous annual release schedule from 2009 to 2015, churning out a new title each year. However, in recent years, Ubisoft has adjusted this pace, releasing four mainline games since 2015, with a fifth, Assassin's Creed Shadows, slated for release in November 2024. This shift has seen the series transition to a roughly two-year development cycle, with each subsequent game enjoying a bit more time in development. Assassin's Creed Shadows stands out as the franchise's longest-running project, having been in development for approximately four years. This extended timeline reflects Ubisoft's growing commitment to longer development cycles, which could become the new standard for the series. The Benefits of a Four-Year Development Cycle In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Karl Onnée, the lead producer for Assassin's Creed Shadows, shed light on the potential future of the series. Onnée suggested that a four-year development cycle might become the norm for Assassin's Creed games, at least for his projects. He explained that four years provides "the right balance to go from conception to production and get the feedback necessary to adapt." Onnée emphasized the importance of iteration in game development, noting that while increasing team size can speed up production, it doesn't necessarily improve the quality of iteration. "The more time you have, the more you can iterate," he stated, underscoring that time is a crucial resource in refining a game's mechanics and ensuring it meets the series' high standards. Industry Trends and the Future of Assassin's Creed The suggestion that Assassin's Creed could adopt four-year development cycles aligns with broader industry trends. As AAA game development becomes more complex and ambitious, longer development times are increasingly necessary to meet the expectations of both players and developers. Onnée's comments hint at a future where Ubisoft prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that each new Assassin's Creed title is as polished and well-crafted as possible. The next game in the series, Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe, is currently in development at Ubisoft Montreal. Although the exact start date for Hexe's development is unclear, the project was officially announced in September 2022 alongside Shadows, indicating that it could also follow an extended development timeline. Final Thoughts The potential shift to longer development cycles for Assassin's Creed games could mark a positive change for the franchise, allowing Ubisoft to deliver more refined and engaging experiences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the focus on quality and iteration over speed could ensure that Assassin's Creed remains a beloved and enduring series for years to come. Fans of the franchise can look forward to the possibility of more thoughtfully crafted titles that truly reflect the time and effort invested in their creation. Also Read:

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Karl Onnée

Future Assassin’s Creed Games May See Longer Development Cycles