Franchise Management
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Assassin's Creed Valhalla director makes sudden return to Ubisoft, and will lead the series moving forward
Eric Baptizat, director of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Black Flag, and Origins, has returned to Ubisoft to lead future development for the Assassin's Creed franchise. He previously worked at Ubisoft for 16 years before directing the Dead Space Remake at Motive Studio. Baptizat's return comes as Ubisoft splits into Ubisoft and Vantage Studios, and ahead of the upcoming game Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Director Returns to Ubisoft to Direct More Games in the Franchise
Eric Baptizat, director of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, has returned to Ubisoft to serve as the Game Director for the entire Assassin's Creed brand. Baptizat previously worked on titles like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed Origins before leading the Dead Space remake at EA Motive. His return is seen as a positive development for the future of the franchise, with new titles like Codename Hexe and Codename Jade in development for PC and consoles.
Xbox to double down on its 'strongest franchises' as boss sets crazy new goals
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined ambitious goals to reverse the brand's fortunes by fiscal year 2027, focusing on strengthening major franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Halo, and prioritizing 'biggest new ideas'. The plan includes improving profits and player growth, with a long-term ambition to entertain half a billion people daily by 2030. This strategy shift emphasizes console revenue and established IPs, potentially at the expense of newer or less established titles.
Here Is Xbox CEO’s Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a new strategy focused on strengthening the platform, growing games into global franchises, making Minecraft a creator platform, and extending beloved game worlds. Despite a recent revenue decrease, Sharma aims for Xbox to return to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027, with plans for significant expansion in games, film, TV, and consumer products.
"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" – Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new strategy focused on a console-led approach, global franchises, and enhancing Minecraft as a creator platform to drive growth. Despite a significant revenue decline last year, Sharma expressed confidence in returning the platform to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027 by investing in player-valued experiences. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also commented on the need for necessary decisions, including layoffs and studio divestments, to ensure long-term growth.
Mark Darrah thinks that Dragon Age is dead. If it ever were to continue, it needs to be reset
Former BioWare developer Mark Darrah believes the Dragon Age franchise is likely finished due to Electronic Arts' mismanagement and lack of clear direction. Despite the commercial failure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the article argues that a reset or even letting the franchise go might be beneficial, drawing parallels to the success of Baldur's Gate 3 in proving the viability of long, deep RPGs.
Games Inbox: Why isn’t there a Skyrim remake?
Readers discuss the lack of a Skyrim remake despite numerous special editions, questioning why publishers don't prioritize such projects. Other topics include the viability of a PlayStation 5 boycott, the underutilization of tornadoes in games, and concerns about Capcom's yearly Resident Evil releases and Ubisoft's Far Cry franchise.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters are a good start, but before Fallout 5 Bethesda could be doing so much more
The announcement of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters highlights the long neglect of the Fallout series, with Fallout 5 not expected for many years. While new content for Fallout 76 and a potential Obsidian project are on the horizon, the article argues that Xbox and Bethesda could leverage other studios within their ecosystem to develop more Fallout titles and better manage the franchise's potential.
Todd Howard Says Fallout’s Future Is Bigger Than The Long Wait For Fallout 5
Bethesda Game Studios boss Todd Howard discussed the future of the Fallout franchise, emphasizing that Fallout 5 is the long-term destination and is currently in pre-production. He also confirmed upcoming remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a new update for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock.
Rather than rip and tear id Software apart, Xbox should have put the FPS pioneers on Gears of War
Following significant layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including a reported 50% staff reduction at id Software, the article argues that Xbox should leverage id Software's expertise for the Gears of War franchise. It suggests that id's talent for creating visceral first-person shooter experiences would be a better fit for Gears of War than continuing with their own struggling franchises like Quake Champions or Rage 2.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider
Despite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger Franchises
Xbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
Capcom says they want to grow the Mega Man franchise
Capcom has expressed its intention to expand the Mega Man franchise, aiming to introduce its appeal to a wider audience. With the series' 40th anniversary approaching in 2027 and the upcoming release of Mega Man: Dual Override, the company plans strategic initiatives to grow the iconic intellectual property.
Xbox is closing down studios to help fund more Halo claim insiders
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a strategy to reallocate resources towards key franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. Insiders suggest this move aims to revitalize struggling IPs and address issues with post-launch support, particularly for Halo Infinite. Several studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, are rumored to be at risk.
Ubisoft hires former Take-Two and Amazon vet to head up its Tom Clancy games
Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann, formerly of Take-Two Interactive and Amazon Game Studios, to lead its "Creative House 2." This new division will oversee major Tom Clancy franchises including The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in Hartmann's ability to build and elevate these established game series.
Former 2K Games President Joins Ubisoft’s Creative House 2 as Its New General Manager
Christoph Hartmann, former president of 2K Games, has been appointed as the new general manager for Ubisoft's Creative House 2. He will oversee Tom Clancy franchises including The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in Hartmann's leadership to build lasting franchises.
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon
Ubisoft has appointed industry veteran Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of its newly formed Creative House 2. This business unit will oversee major franchises including Splinter Cell, The Division, and Ghost Recon, as well as the recently acquired MOBA game March of Giants. Hartmann previously founded 2K Games and led Amazon's games division.
Call of Duty is “Bigger Than The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, Claims Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty discussed the immense success and cultural impact of Xbox's franchises in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Sharma claimed Call of Duty is larger than the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Booty detailed upcoming adaptations for Gears of War and the continued investment in Halo.
Sonic Team head talks about how SEGA was once ready to stop making Sonic games
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka revealed that SEGA considered discontinuing Sonic games during a period of downturns, even after the Sonic Boom series. He stated that the company was ready to stop making Sonic games at one point, and he was tasked with revitalizing the franchise. Iizuka credits fan support for the series' current success and the continued investment in new titles.
