The upcoming "Assassin's Creed Infinity" is going to be as massive as its name suggests. And to keep up with the changing scope, developer Ubisoft will reportedly adopt a live-service approach, constantly updating the game with new content to keep players engaged. Incidentally, other live-service games with comparable business models include "Marvel's Avengers," "Fortnite," and "Grand Theft Auto Online.

The news comes from Bloomberg, which claims that Ubisoft is looking to build a "massive online platform" that will constantly evolve and be updated over time. This is exciting news that could upend the "Assassin's Creed" series.

Ubisoft was apparently not ready to reveal details about Infinity, but a spokesperson spoke briefly about the project to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier. In a statement, she said that the next Assassin's Creed "will exceed the expectations of fans who have been asking for a more cohesive approach."

Interestingly, after the Bloomberg article ran, Ubisoft wrote a blog post focusing on the future of the franchise. The post talked at length about the team of developers and directors taking on this massive project, but did not elaborate or even mention the live service approach.

"Instead of continuing to pass the baton from game to game, one of Ubisoft's most beloved franchises will evolve in a more integrated and collaborative way that is less studio-centric and more focused on talent and leadership anywhere within Ubisoft. I deeply believe in the opportunity.

Ubisoft has previously assigned the role of lead developer to one of its in-house studios for each of the "Assassin's Creed. For "Infinity," the Montreal and Quebec studios will join forces, but each studio will retain an independent creative director. However, Quebec will remain in control of the project.

According to Bloomberg, there has been a rivalry between the two studios that has "at times become acrimonious."

Ubisoft was also embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct last year, forcing the ouster of several key executives within the company. It remains to be seen how Ubisoft and the two studios will work together on the upcoming Assassin's Creed.

Regardless, the change to a live service model may not be a big deal for most gamers. Perhaps Ubisoft wants to retain elements of a condensed single-player story that follows the historical adventures of a character, or series of characters. But the goal for Ubisoft would be to keep gamers engaged, not to end the game once the end credits roll. In the past, the company has solved this problem through paid DLC packs that add additional content. However, there will always be a departure from players who do not choose to come back.

Infinity may here introduce a more live-service element after the end credits, bringing a constant rush of new content to keep players coming back.

This model, with its ever-changing seasonal scenarios, has proven to be very profitable in multiplayer games like "Fortnite" and has paid off handsomely for developer Epic Games. It's a way to keep players hooked and unable to move on to the next game.

Nevertheless, single-player live-service games have not reached the same level of success as "Fortnite"; games like "Marvel's Avengers" have received a cold reception from gamers. Although developer Crystal Dynamics continues to update the game with new content, Steam's active player count hit zero several times in 2021.

However, "Marvel's Avengers" is just one example. Many live-service games have proven to be enduring moneymakers. For example, the free-to-play mobile game "Phantom of the Opera" has enjoyed tremendous success in live service, surpassing $1 billion in revenue. Now, Ubisoft appears to be trying to achieve similar success with "Assassin's Creed Infinity."