Ubisoft have released a broad update on the future of Assassin’s Creed, with thoughts from new head of content Jean Guesdon. It doesn’t tell us much, but it doesn’t tell us nothing. At the very least, it’s not another layoff announcement.

Firstly, don’t believe the scuttlebutt about their Assassin’s Creed multiplayer project, Codename Invictus, which is “progressing steadily” in the hands of some For Honor veterans. It’s not some kind of Fall Guy house party malarkey, whatever the rumour-mongers might tell you. It’s… well, it sounds like they’re still deciding what it is. Announced in 2022, the project is proceeding on a “test and learn” basis.

Secondly, Ubisoft want to bring back Assassin’s Creed co-op in some way, having reportedly dabbled with co-op functionality in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Thirdly, post-release support for Shadows is “winding down”, though there are still a few “surprises” in store.

Fourthly: all that crazy gossip about a purely hypothetical Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remake? “Keep your spyglass on the horizon”, ho ho. Just confirm it already, Ubisoft. Mark gets another permanent forehead wrinkle every time you dodge the question.

Fifthly, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe will be “a unique, darker, narrative driven Assassin’s Creed experience, set during a pivotal moment in history.” This chimes with older reporting that it’s set during the Holy Roman Empire witch trials. As a reminder, Guesdon is Hexe’s new creative director, following the departure of Clint “ludonarrative dissonance” Hocking.

There you go, that’s the juice. I have to toodle off now. There’s an eagle circling overhead and the haystacks round these parts are looking mighty suspicious. IGN have a longer version, including some announcements specific to AC on console and mobile.