Ubisoft’s upcoming Far Cry project, a new extraction shooter with the codename Project Maverick, is undergoing significant changes. This project has been rebooted, and much of the development team has been reassigned to work on the next big installment of the Far Cry series, known internally as Project Blackbird. While it seems that some developers are merely shifting their focus to Far Cry 7, Ubisoft might also be seizing this chance to enhance their development strategy for increased flexibility.
Lately, the Far Cry franchise has kept a low profile, as Ubisoft gears up for its future releases. They have recently boosted player experience by adding Steam achievements to Far Cry 5 and Far Cry 6. Achievements accrued via Ubisoft Connect now seamlessly transfer to Steam, a move they hope will keep the fanbase engaged during the wait for future releases. However, it appears the wait could be longer than initially anticipated.
Insider Gaming has revealed insights from Project Maverick’s development. According to people connected with the project, there was a growing sentiment that the game needed to be restarted, with some insiders saying it was inevitable. The decision was solidified when Talisker, the technical team, was redirected to support Project Blackbird, the main effort behind Far Cry 7.
Initially, Project Maverick was envisioned as a part of Far Cry 7, immersing players in a survival adventure across the rugged Alaskan landscape. Players would face off against other players and AI-driven foes, which included both wildlife and soldiers. Given its vast potential, the multiplayer component was spun into an independent project in 2023. Yet, following an internal review, Ubisoft decided to take the game back to its drawing board.
The Montreal and Sherbrooke Ubisoft teams are revisiting the game’s early development stage. Meanwhile, about 12 developers from Ubisoft Berlin who contributed previously are moving on to the Blackbird project, and another similarly-sized team is shifting to an unrelated game. Insider Gaming approximates that 50 developers are without active assignments, awaiting repositioning within the company. This move aligns with Ubisoft’s broader strategy to refine their development workflow. While the fate of Project Maverick remains uncertain, the Far Cry 7 team is optimistic, anticipating a potential release around 2026.
The Far Cry franchise, with its enduring appeal, is beloved for its diverse settings and engaging gameplay. As the series continues to evolve, its fans remain eager to explore new worlds and face new challenges. Whether Maverick will eventually re-emerge or not, the anticipation for the next chapter remains high.
