Does Ubisoft Own Assassin’s Creed? The Definitive Answer

Yes, Ubisoft unequivocally owns the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It’s their intellectual property, developed primarily by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft itself. From conceptualization to distribution, Ubisoft holds all the cards when it comes to the Assassin’s Creed universe. They decide on the storylines, the historical settings, the gameplay mechanics, and pretty much everything else that makes the franchise what it is.

Understanding Ubisoft’s Ownership Structure

While it’s clear that Ubisoft owns Assassin’s Creed, the company’s ownership structure itself is a bit more nuanced. Understanding this structure helps provide a complete picture of how the franchise is managed and controlled.

The Guillemot Family and Tencent’s Influence

The Guillemot family, the founders of Ubisoft, still maintain a significant stake in the company. They hold a substantial portion of the voting rights, allowing them to influence major decisions. However, Tencent, the Chinese tech giant, has also invested heavily in Ubisoft, acquiring a significant stake in Guillemot Brothers Limited, the holding company that controls the Guillemot family’s shares. This investment has given Tencent a considerable level of influence, although the Guillemot family retains ultimate control.

The Impact of Independence on Creative Freedom

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has consistently stressed the importance of maintaining the company’s independence. This independence is seen as crucial for preserving the creative freedom that allows studios like Ubisoft Montreal to develop innovative and engaging games like Assassin’s Creed. Without this freedom, the franchise might not have evolved in the ways that have made it so successful.

Assassin’s Creed: A Cornerstone of Ubisoft’s Success

Assassin’s Creed is more than just a popular game; it’s a cornerstone of Ubisoft’s success. The franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue and has expanded into various media, including books, comics, and a feature film.

Sales Figures and Franchise Popularity

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has sold over 155 million units, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. This staggering number underscores the game’s widespread appeal and its importance to Ubisoft’s bottom line. The franchise’s popularity is a testament to Ubisoft’s ability to create compelling narratives, engaging gameplay, and visually stunning worlds.

The Evolution of the Assassin’s Creed Gameplay

The Assassin’s Creed series has undergone significant changes over the years. Initially focused on stealth and social blending, the franchise has gradually incorporated more action-RPG elements, particularly in games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This evolution has broadened the game’s appeal and has allowed Ubisoft to experiment with different gameplay styles and narrative approaches.

The Future of Assassin’s Creed Under Ubisoft’s Guidance

As Ubisoft continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the video game industry, the future of Assassin’s Creed looks bright. The company has demonstrated a willingness to innovate and adapt, and it’s clear that they are committed to keeping the franchise fresh and exciting.

Upcoming Releases and Potential Directions

Ubisoft has announced plans for future Assassin’s Creed games, including titles set in new and exciting historical periods. These games promise to build upon the foundation of the franchise while also introducing new gameplay mechanics and narrative elements. Ubisoft’s continued investment in Assassin’s Creed is a clear indication of its confidence in the franchise’s long-term potential.

Ubisoft’s Overall Strategy

The Games Learning Society may find the evolution of Assassin’s Creed fascinating as a case study in narrative and gameplay evolution. Ubisoft’s ownership and strategic management of Assassin’s Creed demonstrate a broader approach to developing and sustaining successful video game franchises. They focus on creative freedom, innovation, and adapting to player preferences to ensure long-term success. This strategy has allowed Ubisoft to remain a major player in the industry, despite facing challenges such as attempted takeovers and internal controversies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarification and insight into Ubisoft’s ownership of Assassin’s Creed and related topics:

1. Is Assassin’s Creed a Valve game? No, Assassin’s Creed is not a Valve game. It is developed and published by Ubisoft. While some Assassin’s Creed titles are available on Steam, Valve’s distribution platform, this does not imply ownership.

2. What other game franchises does Ubisoft own? Ubisoft owns a wide range of popular game franchises, including Far Cry, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy’s (including Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon), Watch Dogs, The Crew, TrackMania, Trials, and Rayman.

3. Has EA ever owned Ubisoft? No, Electronic Arts (EA) has never owned Ubisoft. Ubisoft remains an independent company, although it has faced attempted takeovers in the past.

4. Which Assassin’s Creed game has sold the most copies? While exact figures fluctuate, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is often cited as one of the best-selling titles in the franchise, due in part to its release on multiple platforms. However, other titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins have also achieved significant sales success.

5. Why did Assassin’s Creed switch to RPG elements? Ubisoft introduced RPG elements to Assassin’s Creed to revitalize the franchise and broaden its appeal. The shift allowed for deeper character customization, more complex storylines, and a greater sense of player agency.

6. Is Cyberpunk 2077 a Ubisoft game? No, Cyberpunk 2077 is developed by CD Projekt Red and published by CD Projekt, based on video game designer Mike Pondsmith’s game series.

7. What real-life group inspired Assassin’s Creed? The Assassin’s Creed series is inspired by the Nizari Isma’ilis, a Shia Muslim sect active between 1090 and 1275 CE, known for their targeted assassinations of political and religious figures.

8. What controversies has Ubisoft faced? Ubisoft has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and toxic management at multiple studios, leading to the departure of several top managers.

9. Who is the CEO of Ubisoft? The current Chairman and CEO of Ubisoft Entertainment SA is Yves Guillemot.

10. How many games has Ubisoft made in total? Ubisoft has released over 20 titles throughout the years, ranging from small casual games to large open-world experiences.

11. Do Ubisoft employees get free games? Yes, Ubisoft employees are eligible for benefits such as console reimbursements and free games, including access to the entire Ubisoft catalog through Ubisoft Connect on PC.

12. Is Ubisoft in debt? According to recent financial reports, Ubisoft does have debt. It’s important to consider the company’s overall financial performance and assets alongside its debt when assessing its financial health.

13. Why was the creator of Assassin’s Creed fired? While specific details vary, the departure of individuals involved in the creation of Assassin’s Creed has often been linked to allegations of misconduct and employee harassment.

14. Who tried to buy Ubisoft? Vivendi attempted a takeover of Ubisoft between 2015 and 2018, but Ubisoft successfully resisted the acquisition.

15. What game makes Ubisoft the most money? While specific revenues fluctuate, the Assassin’s Creed franchise is generally considered Ubisoft’s most profitable IP.

In conclusion, Ubisoft is the undisputed owner of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. This ownership allows them to shape the series’ future and continue to deliver engaging experiences to millions of fans worldwide.