Narrative Games Cancelled Because Of The Market
Single-player narrative games can't sell well enough to make back their budgets, and the impact that has on the games you get to play is becoming clear.
Single-player narrative games can't sell well enough to make back their budgets, and the impact that has on the games you get to play is becoming clear.
Cemented by their sweep at The Game Awards, Sandfall Interactive looked like their path to success with Expedition was the blueprint for a team leaving the AAA space and striking out on their own. Unfortunately, 2025 felt like a year proving them the exception, not the rule!
The story of 2025 was the story of ex-AAA developers and Expedition 33. But it didn't have a happy ending for all.
Since 2019, Ubisoft's fortunes have been spiralling the drain, occasionally buoyed by isolated mega-hits like AC Valhalla and their ageing live services. They've been embattled, admitted defeat, and this year saw the fruits of their planning and regrouping. Has it really worked?
2025 saw Ubisoft almost lose everything, but the ruling family wouldn't give up without a fight.