Ubisoft and PlayStation Projects Struggle as Live Service Plans Face Backlash

You are seeing more live service projects take shape across major franchises, but the latest updates suggest things are not going smoothly. Several high-profile titles tied to established series are facing criticism even before release.

Instead of building confidence, recent reports point to growing concerns about direction and quality. The situation highlights how difficult it has become to balance popular IPs with live service ambitions.

When you look at Ubisoft’s current pipeline, you already know that Assassin’s Creed is expanding in multiple directions at once. There are several projects in development, including previously discussed titles like Hexe, along with other rumored entries that continue to build out the franchise.

On top of that, a multiplayer-focused game called Assassin’s Creed Invictus is also in progress. However, early impressions from a recent playtest are raising questions about whether this project is coming together as expected.

According to reports, a playtest for Assassin’s Creed Invictus took place on April 30, and the feedback from that session has not been encouraging. Testers described the experience as rough and unpolished, highlighting issues across several areas of the game. 

For a project tied to such a well-known name, that kind of early response stands out.

You also see that the visual direction has become a main talking point. Feedback suggests that the game is more in line with a cartoonish art style, which feels out of place for the tone typically associated with Assassin’s Creed.

This change creates a disconnect between the brand and the product being built. Art style changes can work in some cases, but critics often scrutinize them more heavily when they are attached to an established franchise with a long history.

At the same time, there are still internal angles saying the game has potential. Some sources believe that, even in its current state, the project could improve with further development. This kind of optimism is typical at this point, especially for games still in development. But that doesn’t change the fact that first impressions often dictate how players approach a title going forward.

Stepping back a little, the use of recognizable IPs in new formats can create tension. Assassin’s Creed is a long-running franchise, and players probably expect a certain style and atmosphere from it. If that identity strays too far from expectations, it risks creating a disconnect. The brand name could become the subject of criticism rather than attracting players.

So you start to see the bigger picture of what’s going on here: big franchises are becoming live-service experiences that might not be what they were meant to be. Publishers are banking on the familiar names rather than creating new concepts under new branding.

A similar situation is developing on the PlayStation side with Horizon Hunters Gathering. This project represents a move toward a cooperative, live service experience within the Horizon universe. 

Instead of continuing the story, the game takes a detour to a different gameplay structure. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, especially from those eager to see progress on the next major entry in the series.

But look a little closer, and you can see that this shift is also changing development priorities. 

Apparently, work on the next big Horizon game has been slowed down as resources are diverted to the live service project. This diversion causes a noticeable lag in the story progression players have been tracking. It also changes the franchise's perception in the short term.

Many players expected to see the story continued, not to take a different format. Deciding to focus on a multiplayer spin-off leaves the franchise’s future in a state of uncertainty. You're not just looking at a new game, but a shift in how the series is being developed. 

A second playtest has been announced for Horizon Hunters Gathering, but skepticism is still a significant factor. Continued apprehensions about the game’s art style and whether it aligns with the tone of the Horizon universe. There is also a broader hesitation tied to how live service games are currently viewed. 

You also begin to see how timing plays a role in all of these decisions. Many of these live service projects were likely approved several years ago, during a period when the model was considered a major growth opportunity. At that time, the industry was moving toward experiences that encouraged ongoing service. 

This results in a situation in which decisions made in a different context are tested under new conditions. Developers may be working from blueprints that they drafted long before current trends became apparent. This means some projects seem disconnected from what players are looking for right now. 

You can also see how the number of live service projects impacts the overall market. If you have many studios working on the same type of games, then it creates more competition in that space. 

These projects play an important role in shaping public perception.

Players often decide on the game before release based on announcements, previews, and early impressions. Monetization, content updates, and long-term support concerns can all shape expectations. And that means a game has to work harder for trust from the get-go.

You also see how the brand reputation impacts reception. When a publisher works on a number of live service projects, each new announcement fits within that overall strategy. The brand shapes how players interpret even early reveals.

Such an approach can lead to skepticism, especially when previous attempts have been criticized. That means new games can struggle to generate excitement before players even get their hands on them. Expectations often form long before gameplay is shown.

With Horizon Hunters Gathering, there is an added layer of complexity due to the link to an established IP. The Horizon name is known, but it also carries expectations for tone, storytelling, and overall design. Tension can arise if the new project does not meet those expectations. 

Or how those decisions impact other projects within the same studio. If teams spend their time building live service games, the process may slow down or limit the amount of work they can do on other types of games. It’s not just the release schedules that are affecting us but also the breadth of experiences we are offering. 

When you look across the industry, you start to see that the trend isn't isolated. Various publishers are trying the same tactics, with mixed results. Some live service games find long-term success, while others fail to keep up interest. This variation makes it difficult to predict the outcomes.

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As these projects continue to develop, their reactions will certainly impact future decisions. If it launches well, it may attract more investment into similar titles; if it receives a poor reception, it may cause a change of direction. Publishers are really pushing the envelope of how far they can take this model in their existing franchises. 

Right now, you are seeing a transitional phase in which big companies are experimenting with various approaches.

Finding that balance between innovation and familiarity is getting harder and harder. Games like Assassin’s Creed Invictus and Horizon Hunters Gathering show both the possibilities and the dangers. “We will be watching their progress closely as more details become available.”

At the same time, you can see that expectations for players are still a key factor. People want to experience the franchises they love in a way that feels authentic but also offers something new. Meeting neither of those goals is simple, especially within a live service framework. 

But as the situation continues to evolve, you’re getting a better feel for how the industry is adapting. The push toward live service remains, but critics are scrutinizing it more closely. Developers and publishers are learning in real time how audiences receive these projects. The outcome of these efforts will help define the next phase of major gaming franchises.