Ubisoft working on new open-world Far Cry game, report says
Ubisoft's Vantage Studios is reportedly developing a new open-world Far Cry shooter after scrapping plans for an extraction shooter version of the franchise, according to industry outlet Insider Gaming. The move suggests Ubisoft is returning to Far Cry's traditional FPS and action-adventure roots rather than pursuing a more experimental, competitive multiplayer format, which could reassure long-time fans following a lengthy gap since the last mainline release.
The cancelled extraction shooter, codenamed Maverick, has apparently been repurposed into the new project, codenamed Kodiak, which has reportedly just entered development alongside a separate title, codenamed Blackbird, thought to be the next full numbered entry in the 22-year-old series. Details remain scarce, though Kodiak is said to reuse some abandoned ideas from Maverick and is still years from release. Far Cry 6, launched in 2021 to mixed reviews, remains the most recent instalment, and no new game has been officially confirmed since; separately, a Hulu/Disney Plus anthology TV adaptation starring Rob Mac, Steve Buscemi and Lizzy Caplan is also in the works.
In short
- Ubisoft reportedly reviving Far Cry as a new open-world shooter, "Kodiak"
- Planned extraction shooter version was cancelled and repurposed
- Separate mainline entry "Blackbird" also said to be in development
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Returning to Far Cry's traditional open-world action formula is strategically sound given the franchise's established fanbase and the six-year gap since the last mainline release. The extraction shooter market is increasingly crowded with successful competitors like Escape from Tarkov and Warzone DMZ, making differentiation difficult in that space; conversely, a conventional Far Cry title directly addresses demonstrated audience demand and allows Ubisoft to capitalise on strong brand loyalty built over two decades.
The case against
Abandoning the extraction shooter concept reflects an aversion to risk that may limit the franchise's evolution in a competitive industry. Whilst the open-world action genre itself is now crowded, genre-blending and experimental titles have proved capable of generating significant engagement and attracting new audiences; retreating to formula risks making Far Cry feel formulaic rather than distinctive, when strategic innovation could have set it apart from countless rival action games.
Explained simply
Far Cry is a long-running series of open-world action games created by Ubisoft. Since its debut over two decades ago, the franchise has been popular with gamers for its exotic locations, freedom of exploration and fast-paced combat.
The latest mainline Far Cry game, Far Cry 6, was released in 2021 to mixed reviews. The lengthy absence of a new entry means fans and industry observers have been waiting for news about what Ubisoft plans for the franchise next.
Far Cry is an important franchise for Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game companies. News about the development of new Far Cry games matters not only to dedicated fans but also to those following major trends in the gaming industry.
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