The highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe appears to be further away than many fans had hoped, according to fresh industry rumors. Prominent insider NateTheHate has revealed that Ubisoft’s mysterious witch-hunting themed installment is unlikely to see release before the second half of 2027. The insider suggests that the French gaming giant has no pressing reasons to rush either the announcement or any substantial gameplay reveals for the title, indicating a patient and methodical approach to development.
This news comes as a significant update for the Assassin’s Creed community, which has been eagerly awaiting details about Codename Hexe since its initial reveal during the Ubisoft Forward showcase in September 2022. The teaser trailer, featuring a haunting forest setting and a pendant transforming into the iconic Assassin’s symbol, immediately captured the imagination of fans worldwide. The game is believed to be set during the witch trials era in the Holy Roman Empire, potentially during the 16th century, offering a dark and atmospheric departure from the franchise’s recent historical settings.
A Strategic Approach to Development
Ubisoft’s decision to take its time with Codename Hexe reflects a broader shift in the company’s strategy following several challenging years. The publisher has faced criticism for releasing games that some felt were unfinished or lacking polish, and the extended development timeline for Hexe suggests lessons have been learned. Industry analysts note that Ubisoft is currently focused on the imminent release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, which is scheduled to launch in March 2025 after its own delay from the original November 2024 release date.
The decision to space out major releases makes strategic sense from both a development and marketing perspective. Ubisoft Montreal, the studio behind Codename Hexe, is known for its ambitious projects, and the witch trial setting presents unique challenges in terms of historical research, narrative design, and gameplay mechanics. The studio has reportedly been exploring supernatural elements that could set this entry apart from its predecessors, potentially incorporating themes of fear, persecution, and moral ambiguity that characterized the historical witch hunts that swept across Europe.
Historical Context and Creative Possibilities
The witch trials of early modern Europe provide a rich and largely unexplored backdrop for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people were executed during witch hunts across the continent, with the Holy Roman Empire being particularly affected. This period of mass hysteria, religious fervor, and political manipulation offers compelling narrative opportunities for a series that has always explored the conflict between freedom and control, truth and manipulation.
Ubisoft has confirmed that Codename Hexe is being developed under the guidance of Clint Hocking, a veteran game designer known for his work on Far Cry 2 and Watch Dogs Legion. His involvement suggests a focus on innovative gameplay systems and morally complex storytelling. The extended development timeline through 2027 would give the team approximately five years from announcement to release, which aligns with the development cycles of the franchise’s most ambitious entries, including Assassin’s Creed Origins, which revolutionized the series in 2017.
The Future of the Franchise
Looking ahead, Ubisoft appears to be building toward a diverse portfolio of Assassin’s Creed experiences. Beyond Shadows and Hexe, the company has announced plans for a multiplayer-focused title codenamed Invictus and has teased additional projects in development. The 2027 release window for Hexe would place it approximately two years after Shadows, giving each major release room to breathe and find its audience. For fans eager to explore the dark forests of the Holy Roman Empire, patience will be required, but if Ubisoft delivers on the promise of this intriguing setting, the wait may prove worthwhile.
Expert Opinion: Ubisoft’s measured approach to Codename Hexe reflects an industry-wide recognition that quality and polish increasingly determine a game’s long-term success. By allowing adequate development time, Ubisoft positions Hexe to potentially become a defining entry in the franchise, particularly given the unique creative opportunities presented by the witch trials setting. The 2027 window also strategically avoids cannibalizing sales from Assassin’s Creed Shadows while giving the development team freedom to innovate without the pressure of rushed deadlines.
