Tencent has reportedly shifted its focus, leading to a delay in the release of Assassin’s Creed Jade.
Initially set to grace mobile platforms iOS and Android within this year, the mobile spin-off’s launch is now set for 2025. This strategic pivot by the Chinese gaming giant is said to prioritize smaller, more easily accessible games, diverting from large-scale franchise games developed in collaboration with foreign companies like Ubisoft.
Assassin’s Creed Jade is an ambitious extension of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, which is saying a lot given how many times it has gone through a reinvention. The game will transport players to Ancient China, specifically the era of the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century BC. In development for over four years, it gives players the freedom to craft their unique character, maintaining the series’ hallmark blend of historical adventure and stealth-action gameplay.
According to a report by Reuters, Tencent has reallocated its staff from Assassin’s Creed Jade to DreamStar, a new party game finding favor in the Chinese market. This shift is part of Tencent’s decision to distance itself from mobile iterations of Western franchises, propelled by concerns over profitability margins. If true, the mobile spin-off is one step closer to cancelation. You don’t just pull out staff members from an in-development game unless you’ve lost confidence in it.
The worst-case scenario is that Tencent will still release Assassin’s Creed Jade& but its trajectory will mirror Skull & Bones – game that was released simply because it had cost too much to get canceled.
Tencent isn’t one to quickly shy away from venturing into mobile adaptations of many esteemed franchises. It previously helmed mobile versions of Call of Duty and PUBG. It was also part of the now-canceled Apex Legends Mobile.
Aside from Assassin’s Creed Jade, Tencent is also believed to be working on an Elden Ring mobile game with FromSoftware.
However, according to a follow-up report by Eurogamer, Ubisoft has denied the report, saying that it won’t “comment on rumours and speculation.”
In light of the delay, Assassin’s Creed fans still has much to look forward to, with plenty more projects underway, including Assassin’s Creed Infinity, Codename Red, and Codename Hexe.
While Assassin’s Creed Jade is delayed, Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, set in Feudal Japan, is on track to release before April 2025.
Always one to buck trends, Ubisoft is excited that Grand Theft Auto 6 is coming out next year. The company’s CEO notes that the attention it will draw from mainstream audiences will benefit the entire video game industry.
