Reportedly, a possibly scrapped Ubisoft will eventually focus its efforts on two key elements - a remake for the original Assassin's Creed and a break from the open-world design that took over during the Ezio days.
That the brand may return to its Third Crusade roots is not by any means a new rumor. Several weeks ago, a notable leaker claimed the original Assassin's Creed hero, Altaïr, will once again play an integral part in the overarching narrative. This character's potential resurgence would most certainly delight fans, who haven't seen Altaïr in any substantial fashion since his flashback appearances in 2011's Assassin's Creed: Revelations. Now another bit of speculation suggests this rumored Altaïr-starring project, if it indeed exists, may do away with open-world game design in favor of something more linear.
Assassin's Creed leaker j0nathan recently spoke with YouTuber Assassin's Creed Valhalla DLC suggests Ubisoft may have cancelled the new Third Crusade-set game. J0nathan still spoke about the alleged title extensively, though, alleging that the open-world model would've been sidelined to focus on a "semi-linear" adventure with each "game level" constituting its own hub world.
Players were to assume the role of King Richard's bodyguard in a story emphasizing the Third Crusade (1189-1192) and Richard's return to England. Moreover, the leaker hinted at a female assassin taking center stage as well, courtesy of a narrative told from two perspectives wherein the characters would cross paths - akin to Assassin's Creed Odyssey's Alexios and Kassandra. Finally, j0nathan said a 2022 release for whatever the next AC entry entails is unlikely. Fans may not step into the role of another Assassin until at least 2023.
The "semi-linear" comment calls to mind the structure of Tomb Raider's most recent outings are semi-linear as well, but feature medium-sized hubs that players can freely leave and revisit. The same is true of the Eidos Montréal's Deus Ex prequels.
Of course, it's best if fans take all of the above with a grain of salt as of now. Ubisoft has yet to even mention where it will venture with the Assassin's Creed franchise next. And it could be a while before the publisher is ready to talk shop, especially since there's still two AC Valhalla expansions scheduled to release this year.
Source: Carole Quintaine via Comicbook.com