Skip to content 
Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game publishers, has announced that several of its most anticipated titles will be postponed, with release dates now scheduled for 2026 and 2027(Game Releases). This strategic delay comes in the wake of the highly successful launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that itself experienced two prior delays but ultimately delivered strong sales and critical reception. Ubisoft’s decision marks a broader shift toward prioritizing game quality over rushed timelines — a lesson the company seems to have taken to heart after years of mixed outcomes with earlier releases.
A Lesson Learned from Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Released in March 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows quickly became a commercial hit, securing the number two spot in sales behind Monster Hunter Wilds. Despite its twice-delayed launch, the final product was met with praise for its polished gameplay, immersive storytelling, and technical stability — elements that had been missing in some earlier titles from Ubisoft’s catalog.
CEO Yves Guillemot cited the extra development time as a crucial factor in the game’s success. During Ubisoft’s latest financial results briefing, he emphasized that delaying Shadows was ultimately “a good decision” and helped “create the best conditions for success.” This outcome seems to have reshaped Ubisoft’s broader production strategy, prompting the publisher to give its other flagship franchises the same benefit of time and refinement.
Which Games Are Being Delayed?
Ubisoft did not provide a complete list of the affected titles, but Guillemot strongly hinted that the delays apply to some of the company’s largest franchises — including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, The Division, and Ghost Recon. These are some of Ubisoft’s most lucrative intellectual properties, and fans eagerly await each new installment.
However, not all upcoming releases have been pushed beyond 2025. Ubisoft confirmed that certain titles are still on track to launch before the end of its 2025 fiscal year, which concludes in March 2026. These include:
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake – a title that has faced multiple delays since its original announcement but now appears to be on track.
- Anno 117: Pax Romana – a historical city-building game expected to expand the popular Anno franchise.
- Rainbow Six Mobile – a mobile adaptation aimed at capturing a new segment of the multiplayer tactical shooter market.
- The Division Resurgence – a mobile version of The Division, designed to bring the loot-shooter experience to handheld platforms.
The Push for Longer Development Cycles
Ubisoft’s decision reflects a growing industry trend: longer development timelines to ensure better quality and smoother launches. This is a stark contrast to the fast-paced annual release cycles that dominated much of the gaming industry in the 2010s. In Ubisoft’s case, it’s also a conscious move to avoid past missteps, such as the widely criticized launch of Assassin’s Creed Unity in 2014, which was plagued with bugs and performance issues.
Guillemot acknowledged that player expectations have evolved, and delivering a rushed game — even from a beloved franchise — can harm both brand reputation and long-term profitability. Delaying titles, while disappointing in the short term, is being positioned as a move to win long-term trust and loyalty from gamers.
Strategic Investment and Internal Restructuring
In addition to shifting its development timelines, Ubisoft is also undergoing structural changes aimed at boosting performance and product quality. Earlier in 2025, the company created a new subsidiary focused exclusively on its top-tier franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.
This new entity will receive a substantial investment of $1.25 billion from Tencent, one of the world’s largest tech companies. Tencent is set to take a 25% ownership stake in the subsidiary, signaling both financial support and strategic collaboration. According to Ubisoft, the subsidiary’s mission is to “improve the quality of narrative-driven games” and strengthen live-service offerings — two key areas where the publisher aims to gain a competitive edge.
A Calculated Risk — and a Sign of Maturity
While many fans may be disheartened by having to wait longer for their favorite franchises, this move could mark a turning point in how Ubisoft operates. Rather than chasing aggressive release calendars, the company appears more focused on delivering polished, innovative experiences.
There is precedent to believe this strategy will pay off. Games like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Valhalla, which benefited from more breathing room during development, were much better received than their more rushed predecessors. With gaming hardware and player expectations continuing to evolve, Ubisoft’s pivot toward quality and stability may be not just wise but necessary.
A Broader Industry Trend
Ubisoft is not alone in extending development timelines. Across the industry, studios are learning that players are more forgiving of delays than they are of broken or incomplete launches. CD Projekt Red’s missteps with Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 and the subsequent redemption arc offer a case in point: given enough time and commitment, even a troubled game can bounce back — but the path is easier if quality is delivered upfront.
Other major studios like Rockstar Games, Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, and Nintendo have also adopted similar approaches, with several of their titles receiving extra months — even years — of development time to ensure top-tier performance at launch.
What’s Next for Ubisoft?
For now, Ubisoft’s focus seems to be twofold: finish and launch the few remaining 2025 titles while giving its blockbuster franchises the time they need to evolve. The gaming giant is clearly betting that players will wait patiently if the payoff is a more immersive, technically sound, and creatively rich experience.
Looking ahead, 2026 and 2027 could be landmark years for Ubisoft, with the potential release of new entries in the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Ghost Recon, and The Division series — possibly reimagined with modern technology, new engines, and more ambitious storytelling.
While delays are never pleasant news for fans, Ubisoft’s transparency and renewed focus on quality suggest a company learning from its past and evolving with the times. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows is any indication, the future of Ubisoft’s most iconic franchises could be brighter — even if it takes a little longer to get there.
