After 6 cancellations, Ubisoft games will rely on "player-facing generative AI" to cut costs

Ubisoft continues to restructure, with the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake among six projects axed. The move is also an opportunity to change its approach to developing AAA games. Announced in a press release, the company hopes to trim budgets and create more “gamer-centric” titles with the help of generative AI.

In the document, the publisher previews the types of Ubisoft games that will arrive in the future:

The new operating model will further empower the execution of the Group's strategy, centered on Open World Adventures and GaaS-native experiences, supported by targeted investments, deeper specialization, and cutting-edge technology, including accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI.

With the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the French company is no stranger to open-world experiences. Still, a focus on Games as a Service strives to generate more revenue well after a title debuts. Although some buyers aren’t fans of the GaaS model, the mention of AI may cause more concern.

In September 2025, GamesRadar discussed how Yves Guillemot is embracing controversial tools. According to the CEO, as players freely roam environments, the “world will react to their behavior instead of pre-scripted things.”

More dynamic gameplay or AI slop?

The behavior of NPCs is a prime example of how AI tools will reshape gameplay. Rather than limiting characters to pre-calculated choices, interactions with gamers will produce dynamic responses. Dialogue would also change as these engagements unfold. The goal is to offer personalized playthroughs tailored to each individual.

Unlike with designing background assets, the “player-facing generative AI” would serve a much larger role. Guillemot insists that humans will still oversee storytelling, rather than letting machine learning run wild. Even so, it could significantly reduce the workload of developers and eventually lead to more job losses.

Fans also fear that Ubisoft games will become “AI slop”, with generic dialogue that doesn’t resemble the work of talented writers. Regardless, the flailing publisher is banking on the strategy to reverse its enormous losses.