Ubisoft plans 2010 surprises

Ubisoft is set to build on 2009 with a blockbuster line-up of established franchises, new IP and unique motion-sensing projects.

The publisher has highlighted Splinter Cell: Conviction, Ruse and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands as key releases for the first half of the year and promised there are several more potential hits in the works.

With a strong line-up of great games and a commitment to pushing our franchises into the broader entertainment arena, we are confident 2010 will be a stellar year for us,” Ubisoft’s UK marketing director Murray Pannell told MCV.

Pannell conceded that this year will be a very competitive time with most major publishers scheduling some pretty big titles.” But he remains confident that Ubisoft’s 2010 portfolio will be able hold its own, thanks to a few upcoming surprises.

He said: We’re still to announce a number of significant titles that we know will arrive in the next 12 months, so rest assured there will be a great mix of established franchises and new IP that will hit across the range of current generation consoles.

We are also really excited to see how we can maximise the opportunities that the new motion-sensing gaming technologies will present us later in the year.”

In December, the publisher confirmed it is currently working on ten titles for Microsoft’s Project Natal, with up to five additional projects in development for Sony’s PlayStation 3 motion controller.

Ubisoft ended last year on a high with strong sales of its blockbuster Assassin’s Creed II, which has now sold over six million copies worldwide. Last week, the French publisher announced a follow-up will be released by the end of the year.

Ubisoft also triumphed in this week’s All Formats Chart when surprise Wii hit Just Dance became the unlikely title to end Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s nine-week streak at No.1.