With this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo fast approaching, the time has come for us to make a few predictions about what we expect to see and what we hope will be announced in Los Angeles during the most important time of the year for the video game industry.
Here are some of our predictions for what Ubisoft will show during the Ubisoft E3 Media Briefing.
Tony Polanco – Executive Editor
Ubisoft is always known for having one of, if not THE best conferences at E3. This wasn’t always the case of course, but since bringing on the super ultra mega awesome Aisha Tyler (I heart this woman, in case you couldn’t tell), their shows have been extremely entertaining. It also helps that the games on display are usually some of the biggest in the industry. This year I expect them to continue with this trend.
We’re obviously going to see Assassin’s Creed Syndicate being played live on stage. Ubisoft wants to show the world that the AC franchise is still viable after the disaster that was Unity so they will talk about how revolutionary Syndicate is. The Division is another game that will get a good chunk of screen time. Expect a new area of Manhattan to be shown, with some new gameplay features as well.
I’m not holding my breath, but I would absolutely love it if a new Prince of Persia game was announced. This series has been dormant for far too long and it needs to come back big time. It’s also been a while since the last Splinter Cell game so it would be wise for Ubisoft to show a new game in that series too. Also, can we please get a new Rayman game announcement? Origins and Legends revitalized the series so it would be a good idea for Ubisoft to bring out another game to keep that momentum going.
Brian Munjoma – Content Writer
Expectations
After Assassin’s Creed Unity left Ubisoft with plenty of egg of their face, I expect them to emphasize Assassin Creed Syndicate. I assume they will show the usual demo with plenty of scenic sweeps and ‘dynamic’ gameplay with a French accented voice over.
Due to Rainbow Six: Siege being slated for the Fall, I expect to see more gameplay for what could a return to form from a sleeping franchise. I hope Ubisoft will finally give us a solid release date for The Division, it is currently slatted for early 2016 after being delayed yet again.
Surprises
I want it, I know you want it, and Ubisoft should talk about it already, I am talking Far Cry: Blood Dragon 2. The first was a perfect example of how great DLC can be be. I would also be surprised if we got details on a new Splinter Cell but even more so if we got a new Prince of Persia.
Charles Singletary – Contributing Editor
Expectations:
[Please purchase Season pass to unlock full expectations]
Surprises:
The Division’s release date is announced and we see an on stage demo. Rainbow Six: Siege is confirmed to be multi-player only.
Jakejames Lugo – Associate Editor
Very little is known about what Ubisoft’s E3 conference plans are for 2015, so it could be safe to bet that their press conference may have the most surprises at the show. Games like Rainbow Six: Siege will definitely get some time on stage, possibly with a new story trailer and some more info about the highly anticipated multiplayer. But what about other Tom Clancy games that have been dormant for a while? What about Splinter Cell? Sam Fisher’s last game was back in 2013, so it wouldn’t be a far stretch to see him get a new game after being rebooted not too long ago. Seeing those three goggle lights slowly turn on in the dark at the end of the show would definitely be a great way to accent their press conference.
Another safe bet would be a sequel to Rayman Legends for both Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The last two games, Rayman Origins and Legends, were both received well and could have definitely prompted Ubisoft to continue the series on the new generation of consoles. The same probably goes for Watch Dogs, despite not getting a lot of praise from critics around the industry. Watch Dogs 2 has been rumored to be in progress for some time, so if Ubisoft intends on making a sequel, then E3 may be the right place to reveal it. Other games like The Division that were shown off more at the previous E3 will get some love on stage, hopefully with new gameplay trailers to entice the audience.
As always, Assassin’s Creed will have a major presence at the show. With Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s reveal, more details about Jacob and Evie Crawley’s story, interacting with the city of London, and gameplay revealing historical figures like Charles Darwin are definite possibilities of what Ubisoft may show at their conference. But there are other Assassin’s Creed games in development, specifically the Chronicles series that was first introduced with Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China. A possible tease of the next two games in that series or even a full reveal may be just what rounds out the series at E3 2015.
Chris Sealy – Content Writer
Ubisoft always dazzles at E3 with big showings of multiple titles, but when those titles hit the market, it is frankly hit or miss whether they will be well received or deliver on the promises made at the conferences. Last year, Ubisoft showed us some gems like Assassin’s Creed: Unity, The Division, Far Cry 4, and Rainbow Six: Siege. Unfortunately, Assassin’s Creed was a broken mess upon release, The Division has been pushed back to early 2016, and Rainbow Six is still in the works.
Ubisoft has a marred track record the last few years with releasing broken games (Unity) or the final product not living up to the marketing (Watch Dogs). So this year, Ubisoft will have to strongly prove they are developing and delivering quality titles.
On the horizon for sure are Tom Clancy’s: The Division, which has a lot of hype around it. Shown at E3 2014, The Division looked real promising and I think it can live up to its potential. Since the debacle with AC: Unity, I think Ubisoft has gotten the message and The Division was delayed to make sure it is ready for prime time. We’ll probably get to see more of it, maybe even hands on time with the game at the show.
***
In much the same manner, we’ll probably get some more gameplay trailers and maybe some hands on demo time with Rainbow Six: Siege. It’s been a while since the last Rainbow Six game, and with the cancellation of Patriots and the subsequent announcement of Siege, the anticipation for this title is pretty high.
Now we delve into speculation, where what we hope to see from Ubisoft this year becomes prediction, and maybe comes reality. First, there have been some rumblings about a new Prince of Persia title. The franchise was officially put on pause back in 2013, but might this be the year we see it come back with a teaser and 2016 release date?
Come September, Metal Gear Solid V with hit the ground with all new tactical espionage action. It’s not hard to believe that Ubisoft with ride that vibe and counter with a new adventure for Sam Fisher. The last game (Splinter Cell: Blacklist), was released in 2013 on last gen, so I’m sure stealth fans (including myself) would be psyched for a new game on current gen systems.
Dana Abercrombie – Content Writer
Expect to See:
Pip pip cheery o’. Assassin’s Creed is coming and London is the setting. I’m expecting to see a fancy trailer (fingers crossed we get another Lorde song). Aside from a title, I’m also expecting a slow-motion trailer with British blood spilling onto the streets. Also, it will be really interested seeing how different this game will look since it is being helmed by Ubisoft Quebec.
One of the games I’m looking forward to is Tom Clancy’s The Division. Even though it’s delayed, I’m expecting more gameplay demos filled with awesomeness, great graphics and shoot outs. While we’re all consumed with the magic of the game, the company will ever so gently announce a new release date as everyone loses their mind…. only to be delayed again.
Let there be Rainbow Six: Siege and angry feminists. Bring on the women being held hostage and rescued along with the men. Ubisoft promised several new exciting announcements, hopefully we’ll get some more information about the game and a live demo.
Surprise to See:
First off, let me state how incredibly upset I am at the company. Ubisoft has announced it will no longer support the last generation of consoles. For someone who doesn’t believe in throwing out something for something shiny, this has broken my heart. I am expecting them to backtrack on this and personally apologize to me… and my Xbox 360.
***
These are some of our thoughts but what do you guys think Ubisoft will show during their press event? Make sure to let us know in the comments below.
