Xbox reportedly pulled funding from Assassin’s Creed creator’s new game
According to a report from GameFile, Xbox had previously provided funding for 1666: Amsterdam, the upcoming title from Patrice Désilets, the co-creator of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. However, Microsoft has reportedly withdrawn that financial support. This move mirrors recent patterns where Xbox engaged with developers only to cancel backing shortly after, similar to reports surrounding John Romero’s projects.
The game is still moving forward
Despite the loss of Xbox funding, 1666: Amsterdam is still in development and plans to release. The project is described as a story-driven, third-person action-adventure game that spans multiple time periods. One of its unique features allows players to control a cat character, adding a distinct twist to the historical narrative.
A 30-minute demo for the game is currently available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Early reception to this demo has been mixed among online communities, suggesting the title may face challenges in winning over a broad audience upon full release.
PC-only launch remains likely
As of now, the game is confirmed for PC only. While it is common for titles to eventually reach consoles after a PC debut, whether that includes Xbox consoles remains unclear. Given the reported withdrawal of funding, an Xbox release seems less certain than it might have been previously.
What this means for you
If you are interested in historical action-adventure games or follow Patrice Désilets’ work, keep an eye on the PC platforms. The mixed demo reception suggests the final product may need to deliver a polished experience to succeed. For Xbox fans, this highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding third-party partnerships and publishing decisions within Microsoft’s gaming division.
The broader context involves significant leadership changes at Xbox under CEO Asha Sharma. While initial efforts focused on community engagement, recent months have seen rumors of restructuring and shifting strategies. These internal changes may influence which projects receive long-term support from Microsoft.
Source
Windows Central via GameFile report
Over to you: Do you think Xbox made the right call pulling funding, or was this a missed opportunity for a major title?
