By Kenneth Altobello 
Ubisoft, one of the most influential companies in the video game industry, is about to take an unexpected turn with one of its best-known franchises. After various rumors and leaks, it seems almost confirmed that the Assassin’s Creed saga will receive a new installment, but the most striking aspect is that the game will take a completely different approach than what we’re used to.
According to several sources and specialized media, the next Assassin’s Creed will be set in feudal Japan, one of the most requested settings by fans for years. However, the real radical change won’t just be the setting but also the gameplay: the game is rumored to embrace stealth and action in a much more linear format, moving away from the open-world style that has defined recent entries.
This shift aims to bring the focus back to narrative and cinematic experience, reminiscent of classic titles but taking full advantage of current console technology and graphics. While there’s no confirmed release date yet, Ubisoft is expected to share official news during one of its upcoming digital events.
Expectations are running high among fans, especially due to the bold move of leaving behind the open-world exploration to focus on a guided adventure—something many gamers see as a breath of fresh air in a saga with more than a dozen titles. Is this the reboot Assassin’s Creed needed? Only time and the first trailer will tell.