Ubisoft’s Next Instalment Rumored to Have Taken the Unlikeliest Inspiration After Shadows Controversy

Just when fans thought Ubisoft couldn’t surprise them anymore with their once-iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise, a new rumor has surfaced about the in-development standalone multiplayer title in the series, Assassin’s Creed Invictus. And let’s just say, if true, it’s a direction that no one saw coming, especially in the wake of the recent Shadows controversy.

According to a leak from a reliable insider, Invictus might be taking a page out of the most unexpected playbook: Fall Guys. Yes, you read that right. The beloved battle royale game with adorable, clumsy bean characters could be the inspiration for the next installment in the historically-driven, action-packed Assassin’s Creed series.

Fall Guys Meets Assassin’s Creed: A Match Made in Gaming Heaven?

The rumor comes from X user j0nathan, who has a track record of reliable and accurate Ubisoft leaks. In a comprehensive tweet in French, they detailed what players can expect from Assassin’s Creed Invictus:

Pour venger mon Slapp, voici des infos sur Assassin’s Creed Invictus, le jeu multijoueur censé sortir l’année prochaine :

– Ce sera une sorte de “Fall Guys” : 16 joueurs (pour le moment) qui s’affrontent sur plusieurs manches avec des “jeux” différents.
– Parmi les jeux on… pic.twitter.com/Y2RVLanhCt

— j0nathan (@xj0nathan) September 21, 2024

Here is the translation and key takeaways from j0nathan’s tweet:

• Invictus will be a sort of Fall Guys-style game with 16 players competing over several rounds with different game modes.
• Game modes include team deathmatch, free-for-all, and a speed game where players race to light points on the map.
• Qualifying for the next round allows players to choose powers to build their loadout for the final game.
• Confirmed playable characters include Ezio and Cesare Borgia.
• Gameplay will be arcade-style with hits having no real impact and a “bubble” shield like in Smash Bros.
• Camera will be far from the character, making them appear small.
• Maps will be portions from previous games, including Baghdad (Mirage), Japan (Shadows), a paradise island (likely Black Flag), and Pompeii (with rising lava).

Interestingly, in a reply to a comment, j0nathan dubbed Invictus “The future Concord from Ubisoft,” alluding to the short-lived, Sony-backed hero shooter title that recently and most spectacularly flopped within two weeks.

Another commenter suggested that Ubisoft should simply bring back the multiplayer from Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, to which j0nathan replied, “Exactly, a multiplayer like back then on maps from several ACs, in crossplay, free, that would be a hit.”

Shadows of Controversy Looming Over Invictus

Of course, this rumor comes hot on the heels of the controversy surrounding the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game’s depiction of the historical figure Yasuke has drawn criticism for its alleged inaccuracies and insensitivity towards Japanese culture.

While Ubisoft has attempted to address these concerns, stating that Shadows is a work of fiction inspired by history rather than a factual representation, the backlash has been significant. It remains to be seen how this controversy might impact the reception of future Assassin’s Creed titles, including Invictus.

If the rumors about Invictus’ Fall Guys inspiration are true, it could be seen as an attempt by Ubisoft to steer the franchise in a more lighthearted, accessible direction. However, it’s also a risky move that could alienate long-time fans who prefer the series’ more grounded, historical approach.

As always, it’s important to take these leaks with a grain of salt until official confirmation from Ubisoft. But if Assassin’s Creed Invictus does indeed take cues from Fall Guys, it’ll certainly be an interesting experiment for the franchise.

What do you think about the possibility of a Fall Guys-inspired Assassin’s Creed multiplayer game? Is it a bold new direction or a misstep for the series? Let us know in the comments below!