Ubisoft is navigating internal challenges, including studio closures and project suspensions, yet continues to develop new titles. Industry insider Tom Henderson revealed two upcoming Far Cry games: Far Cry 7, codenamed Blackbird, and an extraction shooter named Maverick, both delayed to 2026. Maverick will feature survival gameplay in Alaska, while Blackbird’s narrative involves a rescue mission against a cult. Both games aim to innovate the franchise using the Snowdrop Engine, enhancing gameplay mechanics and integrating systems between titles.
Ubisoft’s Ongoing Development Despite Challenges
While Ubisoft faces a challenging internal landscape, highlighted by the closure of its studios in San Francisco and Osaka and the suspension of XDefiant, the company continues to push forward with numerous projects. At the start of the year, industry insider Tom Henderson provided insights into some of these initiatives, revealing two Far Cry titles that were once combined into one. This includes a new installment, dubbed Far Cry 7, codenamed Blackbird, alongside an extraction shooter set in Alaska called Maverick. Henderson recently updated his findings, confirming that both games remain in development, although their anticipated release dates have been postponed from 2025 to 2026 due to developmental complexities.
Exploring Maverick and Blackbird
Maverick, the extraction shooter, promises to immerse players in a survival experience against both rival players and the region’s wildlife, all while contending with the harsh Alaskan climate. Originally conceived to capitalize on current gaming trends, there are concerns within the team, especially following the news of XDefiant’s closure. The competitive landscape is rapidly evolving, with upcoming titles like Marathon from Bungie and Exoborne from Sharkmob poised to enter the scene, raising questions about the Far Cry brand’s ability to stand out.
As for Blackbird, or Far Cry 7, initial feedback from players has surfaced regarding its narrative structure. The storyline revolves around a protagonist, whose gender remains unspecified, on a mission to rescue their family from a cult involved in bizarre, hallucinogenic experiments on children and animals. Players will face the pressure of a ticking clock, with only 24 real hours to complete the mission—equivalent to three in-game days, represented by a watch worn by the character. The main antagonist is expected to be a notable figure, though it won’t be Cillian Murphy.
Both titles are being developed by Ubisoft Montreal, with a vision to innovate the traditional Far Cry formula. This includes a shift to the Snowdrop Engine from Massive Entertainment, moving away from the Dunia engine. The impressive visual capabilities demonstrated in games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws hint at the potential for these new titles. Additionally, gameplay mechanics like tactical sprinting, sliding, and jumping have seen significant enhancements. The inventory and loot systems from Maverick are set to integrate into the main Far Cry episode, a logical move considering the player’s experience.
For those interested in exploring the franchise, Far Cry 6 is currently available for just €19.90 on Amazon.