Brand Management
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Assassin's Creed Valhalla director comes back to Ubisoft to be game director for the entire brand
Eric Baptizat, known for his work as director on Assassin's Creed Valhalla and lead game designer on Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, has returned to Ubisoft. He will now serve as the game director for the entire Assassin's Creed brand. Baptizat previously left Ubisoft in 2021 to join EA Motive, where he worked on the Dead Space remake and Battlefield 6.
id Software co-founder says "my 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well" after the Doom maker lost 136 of its 185 staff to layoffs
id Software co-founder John Carmack commented on the significant layoffs at the studio under Microsoft, stating his previous belief that Microsoft would be a good steward of the brand is not aging well. He suspects id Software was a marginal business for Microsoft, with Minecraft's profits potentially subsidizing other studios. Carmack also reflected on game development needing to succeed financially, not just be beloved, and speculated on alternative strategies that could have improved id's financial performance.
Nintendo may be retiring the Nintendo Power brand
Nintendo may be retiring the Nintendo Power brand, as indicated by Boston America replacing Nintendo Power Mints packaging with Nintendo Entertainment System Controller Mints at Nintendo's request. The Nintendo Power brand originated from the official magazine that ceased publication in 2012 and was later briefly revived as a podcast. This packaging change fuels speculation about the brand's future.
Sonic The Hedgehog 35th anniversary interview - the persistence of an icon
Sega's Takashi Iizuka and Ivo Gerscovich discuss the enduring appeal of Sonic The Hedgehog on its 35th anniversary. They highlight the character's core identity of freedom and speed, the importance of balancing legacy with innovation, and the franchise's expansion into various media like movies, comics, and audio dramas. The interview also touches on future game development, potential spin-offs for supporting characters, and the strategy behind successful brand collaborations.
'They're building real momentum and player trust' — This former Xbox exec is a big fan of recent…
Former Xbox executive Laura Fryer praises Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic decisions, including the rebranding to 'XBOX' and the implementation of the Player Voice system, as smart moves to rebuild player trust and investment. She emphasizes the importance of listening to fan feedback and allowing public input to foster loyalty and passion within both the player base and development teams.
The Enduring Appeal of Final Fantasy: Why One Franchise Defined an Entire Medium
The Final Fantasy franchise maintains its cultural relevance through a comprehensive ecosystem of games, merchandise, and media, extending its reach beyond mainline releases. Its ability to reinvent itself, exemplified by the turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV and iterative game design, allows it to survive and surprise audiences, ensuring its continued impact on the gaming medium.
AC Shadows Title Update 1.1.10 - Release Notes
Vantage 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.
New Assassin's Creed "Leadership Team" Revealed by Ubisoft
Ubisoft has announced a new leadership team for the Assassin's Creed franchise, appointing Martin Schelling as Head of Brand, Jean Guesdon as Head of Content, and Francois de Billy as Head of Production Excellence. These individuals bring extensive experience from previous Assassin's Creed titles like Black Flag, Valhalla, and Origins. This announcement follows the departure of former franchise boss Marc-Alexis Côté and a broader company restructuring that included layoffs and the cancellation of the Prince of Persia remake.
