The Future of Ubisoft’s Videogame Portfolio
Ubisoft CEO, Yves Guillemot, recently discussed the future of Ubisoft’s videogame portfolio. He revealed that the company is focusing on the action-adventure open-world genre, as seen with upcoming titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Guillemot believes that Ubisoft’s game engines, Snowdrop and Anvil, have been adapted to excel in this genre, allowing them to create some of the best experiences out there. He also emphasized the importance of games as a service (GaaS), citing Rainbow Six Siege as an example of how listening to the community and incorporating their feedback can lead to a successful and evolving gaming experience.
Evolution of Living Worlds and Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Guillemot highlighted the rapid evolution of technology, stating that there are limitless possibilities for the future of living worlds in video games. He specifically mentioned Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which will introduce a weather system that affects gameplay. For instance, ponds that were once swimmable might freeze over. He also talked about the potential of generative AI to enrich NPCs and even extend to animals and the game world itself, making open worlds more dynamic and immersive. Guillemot believes that Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, will entice both new and returning players with its beautiful world and unique gameplay experiences as a shinobi or samurai.
Variety in Assassin’s Creed Games
When asked about the future of the Assassin’s Creed series, Guillemot assured fans that they can expect continued variety in the franchise. He mentioned the possibility of remakes to revisit older Assassin’s Creed games and modernize them. He also teased upcoming titles like Assassin’s Creed Hexe, which will offer a very different experience from Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Guillemot expressed his excitement about surprising players with new and diverse games, ensuring that Assassin’s Creed games will come out more regularly without being repetitive.
The Success of GaaS Games and XDefiant
Discussing the success and failure of games as a service (GaaS), Guillemot stressed the importance of listening to players and making well-informed decisions to retain a loyal player base. He pointed out that XDefiant, despite having work to do, was able to attract 11 million players in a short time. Guillemot believes that XDefiant has the potential to become a serious esport and praised the team’s efforts in communicating and engaging with the player community.
The Significance of Snowdrop and Anvil Game Engines
Guillemot emphasized the significance of Ubisoft’s proprietary game engines, Snowdrop and Anvil, in differentiating their games. He expressed the company’s commitment to investing in these engines to push visuals and gameplay to new heights. Guillemot believes that the creators of their engines understand the needs of both the games and the developers, allowing them to cater to those needs effectively.
Concerns and Excitement in the Games Industry
Guillemot expressed his concern about the malicious and personal online attacks directed at Ubisoft’s team members and partners. He condemned these acts and called for the industry and players to denounce such behavior. On a positive note, Guillemot shared his excitement about new technology and its potential for developers and players. He expressed his desire for hardware to evolve even faster, stating that adopting technological advancements like generative AI and the cloud more quickly would enable game makers to create truly innovative and standout experiences for players.
In conclusion, Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, provided valuable insights into the future direction of Ubisoft’s videogame portfolio. The company is focused on action-adventure open-world games and GaaS experiences, while also emphasizing the importance of listening to players. Guillemot showcased his excitement for upcoming titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Assassin’s Creed Hexe, promising variety and surprises for fans. He also stressed the significance of Ubisoft’s proprietary game engines and expressed concerns about online attacks in the industry. Overall, Guillemot’s Q&A session highlighted Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering immersive and innovative gaming experiences.