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The Far Cry franchise is known for its sprawling open worlds, charismatic villains, and explosive action. But it sounds like things are getting a shake-up behind the scenes at Ubisoft, with a recent report from Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson revealing a major shift in development priorities. The big takeaway? Far Cry 7 (codenamed “Project Blackbird”) is full steam ahead, while a planned extraction-based multiplayer spin-off, “Project Maverick,” has been sent back to the drawing board.

Maverick’s Icy Reception

According to Henderson’s sources, Project Maverick was initially envisioned as a multiplayer component within Far Cry 7. It then spun off into its own project in early 2023, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown. The setting was reportedly a harsh Alaskan wilderness, pitting players against not only each other, but also dangerous wildlife and AI soldiers. Sounds pretty cool, right?

Well, apparently, the “writing was on the wall” for Maverick for some time. An internal review seemingly didn’t go well, and the final blow came when the dedicated tech team, “Talisker” (which, interestingly, was also the original codename for Far Cry 7 before it split into two projects), was pulled from Maverick to focus entirely on Project Blackbird in late December 2024.

Back to the Prototyping Board

Ubisoft Montreal, the lead studio on both projects, is reportedly sending Maverick back to the prototyping phase with the help of Ubisoft Sherbrooke. Ubisoft Berlin, which was also assisting, has seen some of its developers reassigned – around a dozen to Blackbird, another dozen to a different project, and a worrying 50 or so developers are reportedly left without an assigned project, potentially facing “viability” (which, in Ubisoft-speak, often means layoffs or reassignment to less desirable roles).

While the exact reason for the reboot remains unclear, Henderson suggests it aligns with Ubisoft’s recent strategy of streamlining its operations and focusing on its core franchises. This makes sense, given Ubisoft’s recent financial struggles and the cancellation of several unannounced projects in the past couple of years. The company is clearly playing it safer, and a standalone extraction shooter in a crowded market might have been deemed too risky.

Far Cry 7: A Glimmer of Hope (and a 2026 Target?)

The good news, amidst the Maverick shakeup, is that Project Blackbird (Far Cry 7) seems to be progressing well. Henderson’s sources indicate that playtesting has already begun, and the game is reportedly “great,” with changes to the traditional Far Cry formula, including gameplay and movement mechanics.

However, even with the increased focus and manpower, some developers are reportedly skeptical about a 2026 release date. The project has apparently ballooned in terms of headcount and budget, with teams from Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Berlin, Ubisoft Annecy, Redstorm, and the aforementioned “Talisker” team all contributing. This kind of distributed development can be incredibly effective, but it also presents significant challenges in terms of coordination and maintaining a cohesive vision.

Ubisoft’s Troubled Waters

This news comes at a time when Ubisoft is facing increased scrutiny. The company has been plagued by delays, cancellations, and reports of a toxic work environment. Games like Skull and Bones have underperformed, and the company has been relying heavily on its established franchises like Assassin’s Creed and, of course, Far Cry. The decision to prioritize Far Cry 7 over a potentially risky new IP is a clear indication that Ubisoft is trying to regain its footing by focusing on what it knows best. The reboot of “Maverick” also points the internal troubles the company faces, as reported by multiple sources.

What This Means for Gamers

For Far Cry fans, the news is a mixed bag. The prospect of a new mainline entry in 2026 (even if it’s an optimistic estimate) is exciting, especially with hints of significant gameplay changes. However, the cancellation (or at least, indefinite postponement) of a unique extraction-based Far Cry experience is disappointing. It shows that even established studios are having to make tough choices in the current gaming landscape, and that innovation sometimes takes a backseat to financial stability.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on Far Cry 7 and any further developments on Project Maverick. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available. One thing is certain. This shows also the problems Ubisoft have to face with game development in the recent times.