Ubisoft Plans Shared Tom Clancy Universe

Ubisoft is at the moment working on two new and unnamed projects that will bear the name of Tom Clancy, the well-known author who specializes in thrillers with plenty of action and a lot of technology use. Ubisoft obtained the rights to use the name of the writer in March 2008 and, apparently, has big plans linked to it.

Michael Verheijdt, who is the brand manager of the Tom Clancy name, told Dutch gaming site Control-Online.nl that “At the moment I'm working on two Tom Clancy games that are in development,” adding that “if I say anything about that, I'll have to send Sam Fisher after you.” He also offered some hints that a shared Tom Clancy universe is in the works at Ubisoft, saying, “I have a notion to update Wikipedia to index everything. […] It is crucial that we have everything clear and orderly, because in the future, we want the various game series to overlap each other. 'Convergence' is the magic word here.”

Ever since the French publisher acquired the rights to use the Tom Clancy name as it wanted in its videogames, speculation appeared that a MMO linking all the various branded franchises was planned. Ubisoft has not announced anything officially but Yves Guillemot, its Chief Executive Officer, referred to it in a statement.

Since March 2008, the company has launched H.A.W.X., which is an arcade-like aerial combat videogame, EndWar, a strategy title that combines a strategic map and tactical engagements with the ability to control the game via voice commands, and Splinter Cell: Conviction, the much delayed new adventure starring Sam Fischer.

Ubisoft has also announced that this fall will see the release of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, a team-based shooter focusing on near future conflicts in which soldiers use exoskeletons with active camouflage and shoulder mounted rocket launchers.