As multi-million dollar blockbuster releases take a back seat to smaller projects with less risk, the AAA franchises that survive do so by finding other ways of spreading mounting costs. Assassin’s Creed, for instance, did it by quickly knocking up the subpar Brotherhood and Revelations, both of which wound up financing development for the true sequel.
“We have multiple groups now working [on the series]. We started this one in January 2010, the same time as Brotherhood and before Revelations,” franchise creative director Alex Hutchinson explained.
“The core team on this one has been working at it for almost three years, which is something you can almost never get in the industry these days – it’s too expensive, too risky. So we need the other projects to support that kind of development – these big jumps.
“It’s funny, people say it’s about how often you release new entries, but I really think it’s about how good they are.”
The Evolution of Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series has evolved significantly since its inception. The original game, released in 2007, introduced players to a unique blend of historical fiction and open-world gameplay. The franchise quickly gained a massive following, leading to the development of numerous sequels and spin-offs. Each new installment brought innovations and refinements, but also increased the financial stakes for Ubisoft, the game’s developer.
To manage these growing costs, Ubisoft adopted a strategy of annual releases. This approach allowed the company to maintain a steady stream of revenue while keeping the franchise in the public eye. However, it also meant that some games, like Brotherhood and Revelations, were developed more quickly and with fewer resources than the mainline entries. Despite this, these titles played a crucial role in funding the development of more ambitious projects, such as Assassin’s Creed III.
Balancing Quality and Frequency
The challenge for Ubisoft has always been to balance the frequency of releases with the quality of the games. While annual releases can keep fans engaged and generate consistent revenue, they also risk leading to franchise fatigue and a decline in quality. This is why the company has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that each new game offers something fresh and exciting.
For example, Assassin’s Creed III introduced a new protagonist, Connor, and a setting in the American Revolution, which was a significant departure from the previous games set in the Renaissance. This change not only revitalized the series but also demonstrated Ubisoft’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Moreover, the development of Assassin’s Creed III involved multiple teams working simultaneously on different aspects of the game. This collaborative approach allowed for a more polished and expansive experience, showcasing the benefits of Ubisoft’s strategy of using smaller projects to support larger ones.
The success of this approach is evident in the continued popularity of the Assassin’s Creed series. Despite the challenges of maintaining a high level of quality with frequent releases, the franchise has managed to stay relevant and beloved by fans. This is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the development teams, as well as the strategic decisions made by Ubisoft.
The Assassin’s Creed series exemplifies how AAA franchises can navigate the complexities of modern game development. By leveraging smaller projects to support larger, more ambitious ones, Ubisoft has been able to deliver high-quality games that continue to captivate players. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how other franchises adopt similar strategies to manage costs and maintain their success.
Source Eurogamer
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