5 Best-Selling Ubisoft Franchises of All-Time

Ever since 1986, Ubisoft have looked to create unique games that dabble in various pools, from age-hopping assassins to neon dancers, corrupt island rulers to post-apocalyptic bandits. It's because of this, that the well-respected French developer has become celebrated for their devotion to diversity. With twenty-six studios spanning across eighteen countries, Ubisoft has become one of the largest publishers in the gaming world. And, you know, we really do think Ubisoft deserve to be praised for their works.

Ubisoft definitely stands as one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, and even home some of the biggest releases on the market. Speaking of which, we thought we'd clue you in on the top dogs of the Ubisoft brand. Some, unsurprisingly, sit exactly where you'd expect them to be. Others, however, might just make you scratch your chin in confusion. Anyway, here are the best-selling Ubisoft franchises of all-time. Shall we?

5. Watch Dogs

Watch Dogs puts the digital world in the palm of your hand.

What started off as a rather bleak but bold concept eventually evolved into something much more beautiful. Watch Dogs, although struggling from a fairly rocky launch, eventually managed to surpass everybody's expectations with bigger and better-crafted sequels. Of course, the concept of being able to hack the world has always been the selling point, but Ubisoft did need to find their feet and narrow in on a direction for the franchise after debut. However, after true north was discovered on their compass, Watch Dogs went on to achieve major critical acclaim.

Sitting as the fifth best-selling franchise under the Ubisoft domain, Watch Dogs only continues to grow and smash new boundaries. Hacking has never been more enjoyable in a video game, and Ubisoft only continues to add to that USP by fleshing out the franchise with compelling narratives and charming characters. And so, from what once stood as an underdog to the open-world platform, soon became the top dog of the kennel. Kudos to Ubisoft for listening to the fans and learning from their shortfalls.

4. Far Cry

Dethrone the tyrant and lead the rebellion in Far Cry.

Ubisoft have been following that familiar Far Cry formula of having to overthrow an empire for quite some time now. Even still, we've always been the first in line to pick up the next instalment to the first-person shooter series. There's something strangely satisfying about having to shovel through an island of bandit outposts, radio towers and arenas, isn't there? It doesn't quite matter about the setting or how relatable our protagonist might be, because deep within every Far Cry game lies an addictive experience that never loses sight of its quirks.

Far Cry thrives from its deep storytelling and character development, and it takes pride in casting some of the most memorable villains in gaming history. We can never help but adore the characteristics of every corrupt governor or pirate kingpin, which makes having to dethrone them a genuine tongue-in-cheek experience every time. Far Cry always makes us feel like the one-man army that is fully capable of exposing the tyrant, and that mighty feeling laced with power always makes up for incredible gameplay.

3. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six

Throw down the gauntlet and hit the ground running in Tom Clancy's: Rainbow Six.

Spanning across several subcategories under the Tom Clancy domain, Rainbow Six evidently pulls in the lion's share of the revenue. Dating way back to 1998 on the Nintendo 64, Rainbow Six has gone on to produce over seventeen standalone games, as well as a fair few spin-offs and expansion packs here or there. Altogether, along with the revenue from the other subcategories — Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six turns out to be one of the highest-ranking franchises of all-time.

Although Ubisoft did take a rather lengthy hiatus after the release of Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 in 2008, the franchise did make a glorious return with new and improved entries by 2015. With upgraded core mechanics and graphical enhancements, Rainbow Six swept in and continued to fly the first-person shooter flag with pride. And now, fast-forward to present day, we're facing another ambitious chapter to the timeline. So yes — Ubisoft are still giving Clancy all the tender loving care required to make ends meet. And, by looking at the stats — those ends are definitely meeting.

2. Assassin's Creed

Become legend in Assassin's Creed over a series of eras.

With an entire history to play with, it's fair to say that Assassin's Creed will be one of those franchises that'll never die. Ever since its 2007 launch, which opened our eyes to an entire world of history, we've been gifted with annual instalments to the era-hopping timeline. Although some (if not most) of its accuracy regarding the assassin and Templar order dissolved after the first game, there is still an entire ocean of story to tell and immerse with in every new addition to the series. From the dusty deserts of Egypt to the ashen streets of London; Assassin's Creed has always relied on its unique settings as its biggest selling point. And, to be fair, we've always looked at every single one as a different game entirely.

Fusing parkour, strategic combat and overpowering personalities, Assassin's Creed has always followed an enjoyable style of gameplay with fully-fleshed open worlds. There's lore in every corner of every city street, and something new to indulge in for every quest chain picked up. Protagonists beckon individuality in every entry, and we can never help but grow emotionally attached to them for every journey we enrol on. And, to be fair, that's why millions of gamers flock to the heels of the beloved Assassin's Creed franchise.

1. Just Dance

Draw the curtains and power up the strobe light. It's party time!

Taking the world by storm with its arcade-style neon visuals and upbeat party soundtracks is no other than Just Dance, the highest-selling Ubisoft franchise of all-time. That's right — Just Dance. With well over one hundred and twenty million sales worldwide, this party starter smash hit has consumed the most in revenue since its 2009 debut on the Nintendo Wii. Since then, gamers and fitness fanatics alike have been able to dance their ways to stardom with fresh annual instalments that only continue to evolve.

Inspired by Lady's Gaga's “Just Dance” anthem, this Ubisoft rhythm series has looked to bring players of all ages together for the ultimate party — no matter your performing abilities. That's sort of the beauty behind Just Dance: it doesn't matter if you're capable of following a routine or not — because behind closed doors — anybody can be a mover. Plus, if you're looking for a workout that doesn't involve leaving the house — then you've pretty much found it.