Microsoft Reportedly Pulls Funding From 1666: Amsterdam, the New Game From Assassin’s Creed Creator

The future of 1666: Amsterdam, the long-awaited action-adventure game from Assassin’s Creed creator Patrice Désilets, has reportedly become uncertain after Microsoft allegedly withdrew financial support for the project. According to recent insider reports, the decision came shortly after Microsoft's latest wave of budget cuts and restructuring, forcing developer Panache Digital Games to continue development without previously expected backing. Neither Microsoft nor Panache has officially confirmed the claim, so it should currently be treated as a rumor.

Industry sources claim that the funding cancellation is part of Microsoft's broader effort to reduce spending on external publishing agreements and focus resources on its biggest first-party franchises. If accurate, the move would represent another setback for 1666: Amsterdam, a project that has already endured one of the longest development journeys in modern gaming. Désilets first conceived the game more than a decade ago and spent years fighting to regain ownership of the intellectual property after leaving Ubisoft before finally reintroducing the project at Summer Game Fest 2026.

Despite the reported loss of financial support, there is currently no indication that development has been canceled. Panache Digital Games recently released a playable prologue and has continued to state that 1666: Amsterdam is still planned for PC Early Access later this year, with console versions expected after the PC release. The studio has already overcome several major obstacles during development, including a recent controversy surrounding placeholder AI-generated assets that it pledged to replace before launch.

For now, the future of 1666: Amsterdam remains unclear. If Microsoft's reported withdrawal proves accurate, Panache may need to secure alternative funding or rely on Early Access sales to complete the project. Until an official statement is released, fans should treat the reports as unconfirmed. Even so, the news has reignited discussion about one of the industry's most ambitious long-running projects and whether Patrice Désilets will finally deliver the game he has spent more than a decade fighting to create.