French publishing powerhouse Ubisoft is reportedly venturing into the competitive realm of battle royale games with a new title aimed at rivaling the popular Apex Legends. According to sources from Insider Gaming, this ambitious project, codenamed Scout, has drawn inspiration from Respawn and EA’s successful franchise to such an extent that its artwork was once utilized as a thumbnail for the initiative. Furthermore, early reports suggest that the characters in Scout bear a striking resemblance to those found in Apex Legends.
Strategic Timing and Market Dynamics
The development of Scout has been underway for a considerable period, and it appears that Ubisoft is strategically positioning itself to attract players from Apex Legends, which has recently experienced a notable decline in player engagement, as acknowledged by Electronic Arts. “I think the goal is to capitalize on the player count of Apex dropping and them [Ubisoft higher-ups] thinking there’s room in the market for another hero Battle Royale,” remarked one insider.
This isn’t Ubisoft’s first attempt at carving out a niche in the free-to-play battle royale segment. The company previously launched Hyperscape in 2020, although that venture ultimately faltered, lasting only 18 months before being discontinued. Adding to the complexity of Ubisoft’s strategy, the firm recently announced the cancellation of its free-to-play shooter XDefiant, which was slated for release at the end of 2024.
In the broader landscape, it’s worth noting that a new 2.0 version of Apex Legends is currently in development, with plans for its launch set for sometime after April 2026. This ongoing evolution within the battle royale genre highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the gaming industry, as established players like Ubisoft seek to redefine their strategies in response to shifting player preferences and market trends.
