I’ve been playing some Ubisoft games recently, and I really want to understand the backlash against the company. For example, I found Valhalla to be a fun Viking simulator, even if it sometimes gets a bit boring. But I enjoy getting lost in the endless possibilities. Then there’s Star Wars Outlaws—I mean, it’s Star Wars! How could I not check it out? And Far Cry 6 has brought that exciting South American vibe with a standout villain. I know open-world games can drag on, but I just switch to something else and come back when I want to relax. As a long-time gamer, I’ve noticed the criticisms about Ubisoft, but I’m curious about why there’s such a strong hate train these days. The upcoming game, Shadows, looks like an Assassin’s Creed set in Japan, which is something fans have wanted for years! What gives?
3 Answers
I think a big reason for the disdain is that the games lack depth and creativity. They’re designed by committee, and each release seems to check boxes rather than provide a fresh experience. For example, Valhalla has some fun elements but feels disconnected overall. It’s just that players are looking for something less predictable.
While there are okay moments in their games, they’ve become generic over the years. Ubisoft’s games often seem targeted at the lowest common denominator, which is disappointing for those of us who loved their older, more unique titles. It just feels like they’re not worth the time compared to other options out there.
Exactly, I’d rather play something fresh. Their games are decent if you have time to kill, but smarter choices are available in the gaming landscape.
A lot of the hate comes from the perception that Ubisoft games feel like cash grabs. They seem formulaic and don’t respect players’ time or intelligence. People are tired of noticing the same recycled designs and lack of innovation across their titles.
But aren’t many franchises guilty of sticking to a formula? Look at Mario or Pokémon—they churn out similar content too.
Totally! Sometimes it feels like these games just exist to keep us grinding rather than telling a compelling story.