What Is Really Going On With Assassin’s Creed Hexe?

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We were immediately interested when we first heard rumors about a new Assassin’s Creed game set during the 16th-century witch trials. Called Project Hexe, it was planned as a shift away from the more recent role-playing games in the series, and the setting seemed like a natural fit for the ongoing struggle between Assassins and Templars. We thought it could offer a really insightful look at that complex period in history, which would make the game’s world feel especially rich and detailed.

Things have changed for Project Hexe since its initial announcement two years ago. Recent changes in leadership, team organization, and a shift away from a supernatural theme suggest the game is being re-evaluated. While it hasn’t been cancelled – and is still planned as a dark, story-focused experience – its future is uncertain due to the developer’s current difficulties and financial losses from cancelling six other projects.

You’re probably wondering about this new character! We’ve got all the details you need, so let’s dive right in.

An Interesting Experiment

For years, we’ve been hearing about Hexe. It was first revealed at the same time as Project Red, which turned out to be the game Shadows. Shadows was a fantastic journey to ancient Japan and a real success for the action RPG genre. The initial idea for Hexe was to be different from the large-scale RPGs like Valhalla. It was a chance for the series to try something new, focusing on quality over simply adding lots of content and huge maps.

The Assassin’s Creed series truly shines when it takes risks. Games like Black Flag successfully added naval battles, while Unity, despite a rough launch, uniquely explored the relationship between Assassins and Templars. Rogue went even further, showing how the Assassin brotherhood’s flaws could push someone to join the Templars. These games all benefited from the creative freedom given to their developers, and the quality of those choices is clear in the final products.

We were intrigued by rumors that Hexe would be added to the Animus Hub and that a new character named Elsa would be introduced. The developer remained quiet about these updates, which now seems like a smart move. Unofficial sources indicated that Elsa’s story would be set during the witch trials in central Europe, when the Roman Empire was still powerful.

The character was designed with supernatural powers and the unique ability to control her cat, letting her bypass security. We thought this was a fantastic idea, allowing her to truly embody the skills of an Assassin in a way previous characters haven’t – despite abilities like Eagle Vision. Basim in Mirage came somewhat close, but it was always questionable whether he was a true Assassin.

We were really intrigued by Hexe and excited to see how it would change the Brotherhood’s usual secretive methods. However, it seems things aren’t developing as we expected.

Shaking Things Up

Hexe was expected to bring fresh ideas to the Assassin’s Creed series, as some players were starting to feel tired of its role-playing game style. However, the studio has faced some changes recently. As part of a reorganization, Assassin’s Creed development shifted to Vantage Studios with new leadership, and Hexe’s project was moved there as well.

This led to Jean Guesdon joining as Head of Content for the entire franchise. Clint Hocking, known for his work on games like Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Far Cry 2, and Watch Dogs: Legion, became the creative director for Hexe. Given Hocking’s experience, this was a positive sign, and the game seemed to be in capable hands. Benoit Richer directed the game, and everything was progressing well until recently.

February 2026 brought news that Hocking had left the development team. While Guesdon stepped in as creative director, many feared this would hinder progress on the game. Those concerns have grown with the recent announcement that Richer is starting his own indie studio, leaving Hexe without a director. The company hasn’t yet announced who will be taking his place.

Will the game Hexe get stuck in development limbo, like so many other promising projects that eventually get cancelled? We don’t believe it will. However, losing two important people from the development team is a significant issue. Despite this, Hexe remains a major, though still unannounced, project for the developer.

A significant shift in staffing is also raising concerns. Almost 50 people who worked on the game Hexe have been reassigned to other projects. The developer claims this is standard practice, but the timing – as priorities change – suggests potential trouble for Hexe. Some believe the game may not launch as planned in June 2027 and could be pushed back to late next year.

We saw that the release of Shadows was pushed back to ensure a better final product. Given the game’s challenging development, wouldn’t it make sense to give it even more time for refinement? The answer, however, isn’t straightforward.

The Flight Of Fancy

There’s talk that Project Hexe is shifting its style. Instead of a magical feel for the supernatural parts of the game, it might focus more on scientific explanations for Elsa’s powers. A key example of this change is the rumored removal of her cat companion and her ability to control it remotely – a feature previously seen in other games where players could see through their animal companions’ eyes.

The upcoming game reimagines magic as skillful applications of science. This allows the story to show how people might see these scientific feats as supernatural, which Elsa can cleverly exploit through fear and deception. We believe this is a strong concept, but it could be risky – potentially confusing or alienating some players.

Okay, so here’s what I think would be awesome for the game. I really want to see them lean into a more realistic take on things, and it just fits the story they’re telling, and the whole Assassin’s Creed universe. The series has always been about taking myths and finding real-world explanations for them, right? I think exploring the witch trials with that same approach – what people without all the Assassin and Templar knowledge would think – could be super interesting. It’d let them dive into the fear and confusion of the time on both a small, personal level and with bigger, philosophical questions. It would make the story feel much more grounded and nuanced, which I’m really hoping for.

Hexe could be truly unique and stand out from other games, but recent changes might make it too similar to everything else, ultimately making it less enjoyable.

We’re not concerned about Hexe becoming more realistic. Our worry is that it’s losing its boldness, which has been a key ingredient in making some Assassin’s Creed games truly special – games that take risks. Understanding the developer’s role in the gaming landscape is also important to fully understand Hexe.

A Precarious Position

Hexe’s recent changes, the negative reaction to them, and its low company value all point to a need for cautious planning. With several games cancelled, the studio is heavily reliant on the success of Assassin’s Creed. Black Flag Resynced could potentially make 2026 a strong year for the series, but the studio is also thinking long-term. While a bold, innovative game might be appealing, it also carries financial risks that the company, given its current situation, may not be able to handle.

Okay, so it’s not hopeless! The creative director, Guesdon, has a ton of experience from working on Origins and the first Black Flag, which is a good sign. I think they can really make Elsa’s witchcraft feel unique within the Assassin world, and if the story is strong, she could be as memorable as Ezio. Honestly, though, I’m wondering if they’re simplifying things to improve the actual gameplay, or if they’re just playing it safe and cutting out cool ideas.

We believe the developers should fully reveal Hexe and Elsa, moving beyond hints and showcasing their true potential. The game needs to deliver on the promise of a unique identity hinted at by early buzz. It should demonstrate how the historical witch trials influence the game’s world, creating a palpable atmosphere of fear and distrust. Ultimately, the game needs to prove its darker tone isn’t just marketing – players need to experience that it’s a truly different kind of game.

Hexe needs to prove its recent changes haven’t diminished its ambition to be unique. Right now, showing off the game and some gameplay footage would be really helpful. Until then, we’re disappointed we won’t get to try playing as a cat assassin – something we were really looking forward to.

Here’s to hoping that the eventual reveal of Hexe is able to lift our spirits.

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2026-04-30 18:45