Assassin’s Creed Hexe reportedly reworked with combat overhaul, 2027 launch likely
Ubisoft appears to be reworking the combat for Assassin’s Creed Hexe, a move that looks set to push the game’s release window back to 2027.
According to a report by Tom Henderson (via TechPowerUp), development at Ubisoft Montreal is now incorporating a new energy-based mechanic, forcing a shift in the production schedule. While previous whispers touted a 2026 arrival, the overhaul suggests a 2027 launch is now the realistic target given the scope of the changes.
First teased in 2022, Hexe—codenamed Neo—is slated to be a darker entry set during the 16th-century witch trials of the Holy Roman Empire. It was originally positioned as the second flagship title for the Animus Hub following the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The reported delay follows the departure of creative director Clint Hocking, possibly signaling broader shifts in vision at the studio.
Henderson has also previously claimed that series favourite Ezio Auditore could make a cameo, despite the distinct lack of pulse the Italian Assassin would have in the 1600s. A release date has yet to be confirmed officially. VideoGamer has contacted Ubisoft for comment.Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter has claimed the next Xbox console is “already dead”, arguing that Microsoft’s aggressive pivot to Game Pass has fatally undermined its hardware business.
The outspoken analyst took aim at the company’s recent strategy, specifically the push toward high-cost subscription tiers over traditional sales to drive the brand forward.
“I think the console is dead,” said Pachter, speaking to Wccftech regarding the platform’s future. “I think they’ve already blown it with the console by embracing Game Pass.”
Pachter criticized the rumored $30 monthly price point for the Ultimate tier, suggesting the “all or nothing” model is effectively telling consumers “f*** you” if they don’t want to subscribe. He argued a lower-cost “cafeteria” approach would have been sustainable, whereas the current “buffet” model provides too much value at too high a cost to the hardware ecosystem.
While recent reports suggest the next Xbox is still targeting a 2027 window, Microsoft’s immediate focus remains padding the Game Pass library with titles like Sumerian Six rather than driving unit sales.
