Ubisoft Opens Two New Studios; One Working On "Unannounced AAA Project"

Ubisoft, publisher of big franchises such as Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, and Watch Dogs, is expanding by opening two new development studios in Europe this year.

The first will be based in Berlin, Germany, and will work closely with the Ubisoft-owned Blue Byte on an "unannounced AAA project." Blue Byte most recently made Anno 2205 and assisted Ubisoft Montreal on the development of For Honor and Rainbow Six Siege.

Ubisoft is currently working on a new Assassin's Creed game, which the company says will be released "when it's ready;" it's also likely the publisher is working on other unannounced projects.

Ubisoft Bordeaux, meanwhile, will operate out of south-west France and assist the company's other French studios, including those in Paris, Annecy, and Montpellier. Those development houses have recently led the making of Ghost Recon: Wildlands, Steep, and Just Dance 2017, among other projects.

The expansion comes at a somewhat uncertain time for the French company. It is currently under threat from a possible hostile takeover by Vivendi, which has been repeatedly acquiring Ubisoft stock. Ubisoft has up to this point always been a family-run company, and it has attempted to safeguard its independence by buying back more shares and appointing independent directors.

Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, has said he would not continue in the position in a Vivendi-owned Ubisoft, while the publisher's VP of live operations has said the company "wouldn't be the same" under another owner.