Ubi plots market share grab with early Assassin’s Creed III release

The next Assassin’s Creed will arrive earlier than usual as Ubisoft looks to grow its best-selling franchise.

Assassin’s Creed III hits retail on October 31st for PS3, 360 and PC.?That’s two weeks earlier than its usual mid-November release window.

Ubisoft believes the game will hold its own against the Q4 staples Call of Duty, Halo and FIFA, plus recently announced titles BioShock Infinite (October 19th), Resident Evil 6 (November 20th) and Halo 4 (Christmas).

AC III has been in the works for three years, built with a new engine and with twice the production capacity of any other Ubisoft game, according to UK MD Rob Cooper.

He told MCV: This is a huge investment for us and we’re extremely confident that together, all these factors will put us in pole position to compete against the other titles this Xmas.”

Although technically the fifth Assassin’s Creed, this is the first true sequel to the second, introducing a new hero and setting to the game. That’s an ideal entry point for consumers who still haven’t engaged in the 38m selling series, said Cooper.

This is a great time for gamers to join the adventure,” he said. There’s a huge will from Ubisoft to bring more gamers into this universe.

Assassin’s Creed III is the biggest and most ambitious launch in Ubisoft’s history so we absolutely believe this game will continue to grow the franchise.”