What Happened to Assassin's Creed (Franchise)?

The Assassin's Creed franchise, created by Patrice Désilets, Jade Raymond, and Corey May, debuted in November 2007 with its first installment, introducing players to a historical action-adventure experience centered on a millennia-old conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Initially praised for its unique blend of stealth, parkour, and historical settings, the series quickly gained a dedicated fanbase, with 'Assassin's Creed II' (2009) often cited as a high point for its refined gameplay and compelling protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.

Over the years, the franchise expanded significantly, introducing annual releases and exploring diverse historical periods from the American Revolution to Victorian London. A major turning point occurred with 'Assassin's Creed Origins' (2017), which reimagined the series with a greater emphasis on action RPG mechanics, an open world, and a deeper progression system. This shift continued with 'Assassin's Creed Odyssey' (2018) and 'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' (2020), the latter of which became the biggest launch in the series' history and one of Ubisoft's most profitable titles. 'Valhalla' received extensive post-launch support, including multiple expansions and free seasonal content through 2022.

In 2022, Ubisoft unveiled 'Assassin's Creed Infinity,' a new hub designed to connect future Assassin's Creed experiences, signaling a move towards a more interconnected and potentially live-service future for the franchise. This initiative includes a diverse slate of upcoming projects. 'Assassin's Creed Mirage,' released in 2023, marked a deliberate return to the series' stealth-focused roots, set in 9th-century Baghdad, and has garnered over 10 million players by late 2025. 'Assassin's Creed Shadows,' set in feudal Japan, launched on March 20, 2025, and achieved the second-highest Day One sales in franchise history after 'Valhalla'.

The franchise's expansion extends beyond traditional games. A live-action Netflix series, first announced in 2020, began production in Rome in March 2026, with an original story set in 64 AD. Additionally, a remake of the critically acclaimed 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag,' titled 'Black Flag Resynced,' is confirmed for a July 9, 2026 release. Other confirmed projects include 'Codename Hexe,' described as a darker, narrative-driven experience set during witch trials in 16th-century Europe, and 'Codename Invictus,' a standalone multiplayer game. The mobile RPG 'Assassin's Creed Jade,' set in 3rd-century BC China, is also expected to launch in 2026.

Ubisoft's financial reports indicate a strong reliance on the Assassin's Creed brand, especially after a challenging financial year in 2024-25. Despite overall revenue drops, the franchise continues to drive significant net bookings and player engagement, with Ubisoft aiming for a stable financial outlook in FY2025-26 and significant content from its largest brands in FY2026-27 and FY2027-28. The franchise's continued success and multi-platform strategy underscore its importance to Ubisoft's future, as evidenced by the announcement of a live stage show, 'Assassin's Creed: Heredis,' premiering in Montreal in December 2026, further diversifying the brand's reach.