Ubisoft’s “Scout”: A New Battle Royale Game Aiming to Take on Apex Legends
Even though the battle royale genre isn’t as popular as it used to be, Ubisoft is still betting on its potential with a new game currently codenamed “Scout.” Reportedly inspired by Apex Legends, Scout is a bold move that suggests Ubisoft believes they can revitalize the genre. However, the company’s past failures and the current market conditions raise questions about the game’s future.
Scout: An Apex Legends Alternative?
Rumors indicate that Scout will be a hero-based battle royale game clearly inspired by Apex Legends. Sources suggest early development even used Apex imagery for internal presentations. Similar to Apex Legends characters like Pathfinder, Wraith, and Lifeline, Scout is expected to feature its own unique versions of such archetypes.
Ubisoft’s goal seems to be capitalizing on Apex Legends’ declining player base and filling that void. One source claims that Ubisoft’s leadership believes there is still room for another successful battle royale game. This belief seemingly contradicts Ubisoft’s own research team, which suggests focusing on what players are looking for *after* the battle royale craze.
Ubisoft’s Battle Royale History
Ubisoft has tried its hand at the battle royale genre before. In 2020, they released Hyperscape, which failed to meet expectations and was shut down after only 18 months. Since then, the company has reportedly canceled around a dozen other battle royale projects. Whether Scout will meet the same fate remains to be seen.
Uncertain Times at Ubisoft
Adding to the uncertainty is the recent announcement of a new joint venture with Tencent, which has left players and investors feeling uneasy about the company’s future. This unease is reflected in Ubisoft’s stock price, which has fallen to a 12-year low. How Scout will fare in these challenging times is a major question mark.