Vantage Studios
Vantage Studios business and news from across the web.- AC Black Flag Resynced Is A Hit, But People Are Particularly Upset About One ThingAssassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has achieved strong sales, selling over 2 million copies in its first 24 hours and setting a new record for concurrent players on Steam. Despite critical acclaim and positive reviews, players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the game's extensive microtransactions, which total $85 for the $60 base game. Ubisoft has acknowledged the feedback, stating that the optional in-game purchases are not required to complete the game.
"This is not how I imagined it would end": Ubisoft to lay off Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced devs at its Barcelona studio, with one calling the remake's release "bittersweet"Ubisoft Barcelona is laying off 51 employees, including the entire team that worked on Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Despite the remake's successful launch and positive reception, the studio was informed of the collective redundancy plan two weeks before release. Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft-Tencent conglomerate, stated there would be no further mandates for the Barcelona studio, even though the team proposed new Assassin's Creed projects.
Ubisoft closes another 2 studios, lays off hundreds more employeesUbisoft is closing studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and laying off approximately 380 employees as part of a cost-reduction strategy. The Ubisoft Barcelona studio will shift its focus exclusively to the Rainbow Six franchise, while other studios undergo restructuring into five creative houses. This follows departures of several high-level creatives and ongoing investment in artificial intelligence.
'ChatGPT kind of sucked' — Former Assassin's Creed director says he used AI to help him learn to…Former Assassin's Creed Hexe director Clint Hocking shared his experience using AI tools like ChatGPT to learn coding, describing the process as 'brutal' and finding the AI's output to be largely unhelpful. Despite this, Hocking believes AI integration in game development is inevitable. The article also touches on Ubisoft's future game pipeline, including new Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon titles.
Classic series like Deux Ex, Legacy Kain, and Saints Row will be "more actively" explored following Embracer Group structure shiftEmbracer Group is splitting into two public companies, Fellowship Entertainment and the new Embracer, to better manage its extensive intellectual property portfolio. This restructuring aims to revitalize dormant franchises like Deus Ex and Legacy of Kain, with Fellowship Entertainment focusing on IP licensing and managing key studios. The move comes after a period of significant layoffs and studio sales for Embracer.
Ubisoft Parries Latest Assassin's Creed Leak, Calls It "Misinformation"Ubisoft has addressed a leaked image purportedly from the upcoming multiplayer game Assassin's Creed Invictus, labeling it as heavily altered misinformation, likely using AI. The company stated that official details will be shared when appropriate, while also confirming the cancellation of another multiplayer project, Assassin's Creed League. The Assassin's Creed franchise is now overseen by Vantage Studios.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Won’t Let You Use the Hidden Blade as a Separate WeaponAssassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will not allow players to use the Hidden Blade as a separate weapon, instead functioning as a contextual takedown. This change, revealed by creative director Paul Fu, has been met with disappointment by fans. The remake is set to launch on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
What Is Really Going On With Assassin’s Creed Hexe?Assassin's Creed Hexe, initially envisioned as a departure from the franchise's RPG formula with a focus on witch trials and supernatural elements, is reportedly undergoing significant changes. Recent news indicates a pivot towards a more grounded, science-based approach to its mechanics and narrative, potentially moving away from its original experimental pitch. The project has also faced internal upheaval with key development figures departing, raising concerns about its direction and potential delays, though Ubisoft has not officially commented on the specific changes.
Benoit Richer, Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe game director, leaves UbisoftBenoit Richer, the game director for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe, has left Ubisoft to co-found a new independent studio called Servo Games. Richer is the third key team member to depart the project, following Marc-Alexis Côté and Clint Hocking. Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe was announced in 2022 and is being developed at Vantage Studios.- Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe Has Fewer “Magical” Elements Since Leadership Change – RumorA rumor suggests that Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe has had its 'magical' elements removed since Jean Guesdon took over the franchise. This change, which includes the removal of cat control mechanics, may have contributed to game director Benoit Richer's departure. The rumor also indicates that these changes could potentially speed up development for the title, which is allegedly targeting a Holiday 2027 release.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Launches on July 9th, First Gameplay RevealedUbisoft and Vantage Studios have announced that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will launch on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, also available on day one for Ubisoft+ subscribers. This remake features a rebuilt world with improved environments, lighting, and weather using the Anvil Engine, alongside overhauled combat and parkour mechanics. New content includes weapon upgrades, recruitable officers, and additional narrative elements for Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Should You Play It in 2026?Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a beautiful rendition of feudal Japan with strong parkour and stealth mechanics, despite a less compelling narrative. Post-launch updates have significantly improved gameplay, adding features like Nightmare difficulty and New Game+. While not the series' absolute best, it's a worthwhile entry for fans of the genre.
AC Shadows Title Update 1.1.10 - Release NotesVantage Studios, a subsidiary of Ubisoft, has announced a new leadership team to guide the future of the Assassin's Creed brand. These appointments are expected to shape the long-term vision for the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Unity’s 60 FPS Patch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S Also Brings 4K SupportUbisoft has released a significant update for Assassin's Creed Unity, enabling 60 FPS performance and 4K resolution support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The article also provides updates on other Assassin's Creed titles, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe, a remake of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag titled Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, and the multiplayer project Assassin's Creed Invictus.- Till sist! Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced bekräftas av UbisoftUbisoft has confirmed that Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is in development, though not explicitly stated as a remake. The company also provided updates on other Assassin's Creed titles, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Hexe, Invictus, Jade, and a 60fps patch for Assassin's Creed Unity on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Assassin’s Creed Gets A Brand Update For 2026 | Console CreaturesUbisoft provided updates on several upcoming Assassin's Creed projects, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Codename Hexe, and Codename Invictus. While Shadows is entering its final support phase, Hexe is described as a darker, narrative-driven experience, and Invictus is a new multiplayer approach. Updates were also given on the mobile game Assassin's Creed Jade, the potential for co-op, and the upcoming Netflix live-action series. Additionally, a 60 FPS patch for Assassin's Creed Unity is releasing for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag Remake Officially Confirmed by Ubisoft in New “Resynced” Concept ArtUbisoft has officially confirmed the remake of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, titled Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The announcement was accompanied by new concept art and a statement from Vantage Studios' head of content, Jean Guesdon, hinting at the game's development. While details are scarce, rumors suggest cut modern-day segments have been replaced with new quests, loading screens are removed, and weather effects will be improved.
Yves Guillemot: "Changes of this scale naturally raise questions and create tension"Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged employee concerns following recent cost-cutting measures and layoffs, stating that such changes naturally create tension. He emphasized the need for transparency and open dialogue while navigating a competitive industry. Guillemot also defended the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of the Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios.
Ubisoft announces new Assassin's Creed leadership teamUbisoft has announced a new leadership team for its Assassin's Creed franchise within its Vantage Studios creative house. Martin Schelling, Jean Guesdon, and François de Billy will lead the brand strategy, creative direction, and production excellence, respectively. This announcement comes as part of a larger company restructuring that includes partnerships and the cancellation of some games.
Ubisoft announce a trio of Assassin's Creed veterans will lead the series' "next era"Ubisoft has appointed three veteran Assassin's Creed developers—Martin Schelling, Jean Guesdon, and François de Billy—to lead the franchise into its next era under the newly formed Vantage Studios. Schelling will head the brand, Guesdon will lead content, and de Billy will focus on production excellence, aiming to shape the series' long-term vision and creative direction.