Solo reveal events seem to be more common nowadays, especially with E3 not taking place in 2022. Industry giant Ubisoft is no exception, having hosted Ubisoft Forward 2022 today to present news on upcoming and existing titles alike. The event featured a lot of games to look forward to, including multiple announcements for landmark Ubisoft franchises like Assassin's Creed and the long-awaited Skull and Bones.
Notably absent from the event were the Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia remakes known to be in development. Somewhat less surprising, but still disappointing was the lack of news on Beyond Good and Evil 2, which was first teased in 2008 before getting revamped and revealed during E3 2017. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora was announced during that same E3, but was also missing from Ubisoft Forward 2022 - though it did get a new teaser the night before during the Disney and Marvel Games Showcase. There were also no announcements on two of Ubisoft's other biggest IPs, Far Cry and Watch Dogs. Still, a lot was revealed for fans to look forward to.
Assassin's Creed Announcements
Assassin's Creed is arguably Ubisoft's biggest modern franchise. It's no surprise, then, that there was a special showcase dedicated entirely to its future during Ubisoft Forward 2022. Multiple new additions to the Assassin's Creed series appeared during the event.
The showcase featured a new trailer for Assassin's Creed Mirage, which Ubisoft only confirmed was in development days prior, following months of leaks and rumors. The trailer depicts protagonist Basim's initiation as an assassin, and some of his earlier memories as a thief in Baghdad. The trailer is narrated by Emmy-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, who will voice Basim's mentor Roshan. Basim is faced with a zombie in the final scene of the trailer, which may suggest that some supernatural enemies and gameplay elements of recent entries will be returning.
Ubisoft Bordeaux narrative director Sarah Beaulieu gave some more details following the trailer, saying Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to the old-school formula of Assassin's Creed. It will focus on the action-adventure, stealth, and parkour of the elements of earlier titles, which is an interesting move considering the current style was a result of the old formula becoming stale for many fans. Still, the return seems to be a popular decision, and Beaulieu confirmed a 2023 release date for Assassin's Creed Mirage.
Assassin's Creed Infinity project leader Marc-Alexis Cote also made an appearance to announce Assassin's Creed: Codename Red, which will take fans to the much-requested feudal Japan setting, featuring a ninja protagonist; and Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe, a title seemingly set during the witch hunts of Europe. Cote said both will be playable through Assassin's Creed Infinity, which will act as a sort of live-service hub for future games, as well as online components such as Assassin's Creed: Codename Invictus, a standalone multiplayer game in the works.
Cote also discussed a live-action Assassin's Creed Netflix series that will come alongside a new mobile game for Netflix's gaming service. Another mobile game, Assassin's Creed: Codename Jade, is also on the way, presenting an open-world title in ancient China with the first custom character in the series. Also announced was the final expansion to Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the free quest arc "The Last Chapter."
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Ubisoft Forward 2022 featured a new trailer and gameplay reveal for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, set to release on October 20 as a Switch exclusive. The sequel to the 2017 hit will feature new mechanics blending turn-based and real-time action, overworld exploration, collectibles, and puzzles. The extended gameplay reveal featured the world of Terra Flora and a battle utilizing the Sparks - a selection of equipable creatures that give buffs to each character.
Ubisoft also teased more content that will come as part of the post-launch support for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The support will include free DLC adding new playable characters and more. Exciting for many is promised DLC featuring the surprise return of Ubisoft icon Rayman, from whom the Rabbids originally spun off.
Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones was first announced in 2017, but found itself subject to development hell. Thankfully, its showcase at Ubisoft Forward 2022 offered new information and a November 8 release date. The new trailers focused heavily on the Assassin's Creed: Black Flag-inspired ship battles, but details about other gameplay elements were featured too.
Ubisoft Singapore creative director Elisabeth Pellen made an appearance to offer information on features such as ship customization and the game's narrative. Customization will focus on three major parts: weapons, armor, and cosmetics. Meanwhile, the story - which will be integrated into online component - will follow the player as a solo pirate who has set out to become an accomplished captain on the waters of the Indian Ocean. Pellen also confirmed PvP can be switched off, and that Skull and Bones will be fully cross-platform from day one.
Other Announcements
While those were the three major franchises given focus at Ubisoft Forward 2022, there was plenty of smaller news too. Tom Clancy's The Division 2 will be getting new cosmetics, missions, manhunt targets, and a new PvE mode in Seasons 10 and 11. Also coming to the series is the standalone free-to-play survival-shooter Tom Clancy's The Division Heartland, set in the small town of Silver Creek. Finally, The Division Resurgence will be coming to mobile, with a closed beta later this fall. Elsewhere in the Tom Clancy family, Rainbow Six Mobile is getting a closed beta on September 12, featuring daily challenges and a battle pass progression system.
Ubisoft's extreme sports MMO Riders Republic will be getting a BMX expansion on September 14, featuring new locations too. Just Dance 2023 was also revealed, with a year of additional content planned and online multiplayer. Meanwhile, Trackmania is coming to consoles with full cross-platform play and progression after being a PC exclusive for two years. Netflix's cloud gaming service also announced some titles in partnership with Ubisoft, such as Valiant Hearts 2, Mighty Quest 2, and the unnamed Assassin's Creed game.