Netflix teams with Ubisoft to develop series based on 'Assassin's Creed' video games

Netflix is taking a swan dive into the Assassin's Creed video game franchise.

The streaming TV giant will create a live-action TV series based on the Assassin's Creed series of video games, published by Ubisoft, the two companies announced Tuesday.

Netflix may also eventually develop animated and anime series based on the hugely popular franchise, which chronicles a group of assassins' fight throughout history.

“We’re excited to partner with Ubisoft and bring to life the rich, multilayered storytelling that Assassin’s Creed is beloved for,” said Peter Friedlander, vice president of original series for Netflix, said in a statement. “From its breathtaking historical worlds and massive global appeal as one of the best selling video game franchises of all time, we are committed to carefully crafting epic and thrilling entertainment based on this distinct IP and provide a deeper dive for fans and our members around the world to enjoy.”

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Netflix is currently looking for a producer. Jason Altman and Danielle Kreinik of Ubisoft Film & Television will serve as executive producers.

“For more than 10 years, millions of fans around the world have helped shape the Assassin’s Creed brand into an iconic franchise,” said Altman, who is head of Ubisoft's film and TV unit in Los Angeles. “We’re thrilled to create an Assassin’s Creed series with Netflix and we look forward to developing the next saga in the Assassin’s Creed universe.”

Since Ubisoft released the initial game, Assassin's Creed, in 2007, the publisher has gone on to sell more 155 million games worldwide. That first game was set in the Holy Land during the Crusades. Subsequent games took place in Renaissance Italy, Revolutionary War America, ancient Egypt, French Revolution-era France and ancient Greece.

The newest game, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, set in the ninth century, is due out November 10 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PCs, Google Stadia and is in the works for PS5.

For Netflix, this is just the latest example of turning to video game franchises for inspiration. The Witcher, which stars Henry Cavill, is based on the fantasy game franchise – that is based on a series of books – hit the streaming service in December 2020 and a second season is in the works.

And it is already teaming with Ubisoft on Tom Clancy’s The Division, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain starring and producing; and a movie based on Beyond Good & Evil. Other Ubisoft games getting TV or movie treatment include Rabbids Invasion, Just Dance, Werewolves Within, and Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet.

In the past, video games did not yield big-screen success when franchises such as Super Mario Bros., Mortal Kombat and Doom were adapted into movies.

Even a 2016 "Assassin's Creed" movie, made by Ubisoft and New Regency, starred Michael Fassbender, only earned a score of 18 from critics on RottenTomatoes.com (the audience gave it 43).

But that has not stopped filmmakers from trying. Currently in the works at Sony is Uncharted, a 20121 film based on the game franchise of the same name. That film stars Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg.

Also in development: another Mortal Kombat filmTomb Raider 2 (due in 2021) and a sequel to this year's Sonic the Hedgehog (2022).

Follow USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Assassin's Creed' live-action series by Netflix planned