Over the last two generations, no publisher has invested in vast open worlds quite like Ubisoft. Ever since the success of Assassin’s Creed II, the French behemoth has recognised the powerful allure (and selling potential), that comes with letting players loose on a well-crafted and intricate sandbox. Yet what was once a daring new format has now become commonplace for Ubisoft’s biggest franchises.
Related: for more open-world brilliance, check out the best sandbox games on PC.
Tommy Francois is Ubisoft’s vice president of editorial, and as such is the man responsible for approving and moulding many of gaming’s most memorable worlds. The first thing he makes clear to us is that for Ubisoft, sprawling environments are no longer just a backdrop for their stories – they’re now the main character. “We’ve decided to put all our focus on the world; for us, it’s the hero,” reveals Tommy. “The reason [for this] is we believe [the world] should be a receptacle for all types of talents and activities.”
