Ubisoft's Hexe Gets a 'Magic'ectomy, Plus an AC1 Remake Tease! (Hold Onto Your Hoods, Mates)
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Ubisoft's upcoming *Assassin's Creed Hexe* might be ditching its magical elements and planned cat companion, according to leaks reported by IGN South Africa's Tom Phillips, following a significant internal reshuffle. On a brighter note, whispers also suggest a long-overdue remake of the original *Assassin's Creed* could be in the works.
Alright mates, grab a cuppa because the Animus has been spitting out some rather intriguing (and slightly chaotic) data packets about the future of Assassin's Creed. Just when we're all still buzzing from the full reveal of *Black Flag Resynced* sailing onto the scene, the rumour mill's gone into overdrive about *Hexe* – and it sounds like things are getting... well, less magical, believe it or not.
According to a recent dispatch from IGN South Africa's Tom Phillips, citing reliable AC insider j0nathon, the big scoop is that *Assassin's Creed Hexe*, which we all collectively assumed would be brimming with actual witchcraft-y shenanigans given its 17th-century witch trial setting in Central Europe, might be ditching its magical mojo. Fair dinkum, eh? Apparently, the new Head of Content for the whole AC franchise – Ubisoft veteran Jean Guesdon, who also stepped in as Hexe's creative director – has decided to "get rid of everything that was 'magical' in Hexe." This follows a bit of an internal reshuffle at the top of the franchise, which saw previous game director Benoit Richer and creative director Clint Hocking bounce. It always feels like a D&D campaign where the DM keeps changing mid-quest, doesn't it?
And here's the kicker, the bit that really shattered my inner wizard: we were reportedly meant to control a cat. A CAT! Now *that's* peak witchy vibes right there, innit? But nope, apparently, that's off the table. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, really. I mean, the whole *point* of Assassin's Creed, at its core, is a wild ride through genetic memories, complete with Eagle Vision and ancient powers – which is pretty much magic if you ask me. We’ve had demigod Kassandra in *Odyssey*, warging into eagles since *Origins*, and Apples of Eden controlling minds. But a simple, friendly feline companion? Too far, apparently. What gives? Is a magical cat really more fantastical than jumping off a cathedral into a suspiciously small pile of hay? I reckon not. Perhaps they're aiming for a grittier, more historically grounded feel, much like *Mirage*'s stripped-back approach. Or maybe, just maybe, someone at Ubisoft HQ figured a cat would steal too much of the spotlight. Who knows what arcane corporate logic guides these decisions, eh?
But wait, there's more! In the same breath, j0nathon dropped another intriguing whisper: an *Assassin's Creed 1* remake. Now, that's a blast from the past I can get behind! Ubisoft has hinted at multiple remakes in the works, and with *Mirage* proving there's still love for that original, more focused AC style, a spruce-up for Altaïr's debut is hardly a surprise. It's the most dated of the lot, bless its heart, and could seriously benefit from a modern polish – perhaps even combining those rather segmented cities into a proper open world. Imagine exploring 12th-century holy lands with all the bells and whistles we've come to expect!
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Could they expand the story, pepper in some clever nods to later entries? It’d be a fascinating way to re-contextualize the series' origins and give the original protagonist, Altaïr, the full-blown epic he deserves. Fingers crossed it's still in the works and not just an old rumour! Before we see *Hexe* (not expected until 2027), *Black Flag Resynced* sails in on July 9th. Always something brewing in the world of Assassins, eh? It’s a wild ride, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Keep those hoods up, and stay curious!
Tags: Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft, Gaming Leaks, Game Development, Action-Adventure
Original article: IGN South Africa