Since the introduction of the Atari 5200, consumers have been educated that a newer console's most immediate advantage is in it's graphics. From 8-bit to 16-bit, standard definition to HD, visuals have always been the advertised evolution for each passing generation. But in the era of 4K and realism, hardware successors often lack the visceral splendor older players have come to expect.
So what exactly will these faster processors and beefier GPUs of the looming ninth generation offer beyond higher resolutions? According to Lionel Raynaud (Executive Vice President of Creative for Ubisoft's Canadian studios) greater technology will change the very way games and players interact with one another.
During an interview for Ubisoft's Blog, Raynaud highlighted the opportunities a new generation could offer. Starting with expanded memories abilitiy to allow for larger environments, lengthier campaigns, and possibly multiple locations for a future Assassin's Creed entry.
We all see a future where a game will stay {post-launch], and new experiences will come in the games. But we will have technology that will break the [current] limits of memory, for instance, because of new technologies that are arriving. We would be able to – in the same world – have several historical periods, for instance, in Assassin's Creed, and use the Animus to travel from one to the other. Or have different areas of the world linked by travel systems, so that a Far Cry game or a Watch Dogs game could happen in different countries in the same experience, seamlessly.
Raynaud goes on to explain their latest developments in AI and how this will impact the player's connection to the narrative and world. With a larger cast learning from player behavior and preference, resulting in characters adapting their behavior to better relate to the audience. For example, creating more opportunities for friendship and romance.
Mentioned in less detail is how these world will be built. In the past Ubisoft has enlisted several of their studios to aid in a single Assassin's Creed game, ballooning their credits to nearly 1000 contributors. Raynaud briefly references how their Canadian studios have already begun work to "accelerate pipelines" between developers to create more content within a shorter timeline.
Ubisoft has seen rapid expansion in Canada, with two studios open in the Quebec area in the past few months. The company has promised an estimated 1000 new jobs to the region by 2027 at the cost of $780 million, funded partially by sizeable tax credits.
Ubisoft's latest open world game, The Crew 2, was released last month to mixed reviews.