AlthoughAssassin’s Creedhas explored varied settings with different protagonists, it has mostly stuck to the same formula of stealth mixed with combat and exploration. This has been a winning move, as the franchise continues to thrive since the release of the first game in 2007. Looking into the future, developers have decided to be adventurous, and it has been announced thatAssassin’s Creed Hexeis in development. This looks to be quite different compared to regularAssassin’s Creedgames, and this could be a chance for Ubisoft to rock the boat by trying on a new genre.
The reveal trailer forAssassin’s Creed Hexesuggests that the game might feature horror elements. This could be an opportunity for the franchise to explore the survival horror genre, which is very popular. This wouldn’t require developers to completely drift from their comfort zone, as stealth elements could still be implemented. When a franchise has given gamers as many titles asAssassin’s Creed, some change can be a good way to rejuvenate interest among fans.
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Why Assassin’s Creed Hexe Should Explore a New Genre
It appears that2023 is going to be a busy year forAssassin’s Creedthanks toAssassin’s Creed Mirage.Farther down the line, players can also look forward toAssassin’s Creed Hexe. The dark reveal trailer is very short, illustrating a shadowy forest and the franchise’s logo forged out of branches. This seems to signal that the upcoming game will be bringing a new kind of experience, and comments from Ubisoft confirm this.
According to franchise director Marc-Alexis Cote,Hexewill be a very differentAssassin’s Creedgame. Despite this, developers won’t be sizing down, and it will be a “new flagship title.” It is not yet known what platforms the game will launch on, but Ubisoft will likely target PC and current-gen consoles. AlthoughAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, the latest mainline game in the series, was well-received, some gamers did complain that it failed to adequately reinvent the franchise’s formula, and was yet another bloated open-world game.Hexehas the chance to prove thatAssassin’s Creedis capable of more.
Judging by the reveal trailer, horror would be the most obvious direction for the upcoming game to go. Although the survival horror genre is quite crowded,Assassin’s Creedcould add its signature twist by implementing stealth to evade and occasionally assassinate enemies. This is where the franchise shines, as it has dabbled with different kinds of stealth gameplay, including allowing players to dress in different outfits to blend in with the crowd, as was seen inAssassin’s Creed 3: Liberation.
The 2020s are a crucial point in the series' life becauseUbisoft is going through turbulent financial times. A failedAssassin’s Creedproject could mean disaster for the franchise, and it may ultimately cause Ubisoft to abandon it for more fruitful IPs. By keeping the gameplay fresh and experimenting with a new genre, developers may prevent the game from being ignored by gamers who believe they’ve seen everythingAssassin’s Creedhas to offer already.
It appears that developers are open to trying new things, asAssassin’s Creed Miragewill be taking a different route by featuring a more linear design. This may help to avoid some of the open-world bloating that has plagued previous titles. Gamers may see more ofAssassin’s Creed Mirageat E3 2023, and how the game performs may indicate whether developers should tread new ground withHexe.
Assassin’s Creed Hexeis currently in development.
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