Microsoft reportedly helped fund the development of 1666: Amsterdam, the long-awaited project from Assassin’s Creed creator Patrice Désilets, before ending its involvement in 2025. According to a report by Game File journalist Stephen Totilo, Panache Digital Games is now moving forward with plans to publish the game independently.
Microsoft Was Reportedly Backing Multiple Third-Party Projects
Speaking with Totilo, Désilets said Microsoft had been funding several high-profile games from well-known independent developers over the past few years.
According to the report, those projects included:
- 1666: Amsterdam from Panache Digital Games and Patrice Désilets.
- OD from Kojima Productions and Hideo Kojima.
- An unannounced shooter from Romero Games led by DOOM co-creator John Romero.
The report claims Microsoft ended funding for both the Romero Games project and 1666: Amsterdam during the middle of 2025. While rumors also circulated about issues surrounding Kojima’s project, those reports have not been confirmed.
Panache Digital Games Plans to Self-Publish
Following Microsoft’s reported decision, Désilets told Totilo that Panache Digital Games chose to continue development independently rather than seek another publisher.
According to the report, Romero Games restarted development of its project after funding ended, while Panache shifted its focus toward self-publishing 1666: Amsterdam.
A Project With a Long Development History
1666: Amsterdam was originally announced in 2013, but development stalled after publisher THQ declared bankruptcy.
The situation became more complicated when Ubisoft acquired THQ Montreal and the rights to the project. Désilets was subsequently dismissed from the studio, leading to a legal dispute over ownership.
In 2016, Désilets regained the rights to 1666: Amsterdam. The project then entered a lengthy period without public updates before Panache Digital Games recently confirmed it had resumed development with the goal of turning the title into the first entry in a larger franchise.
What Is 1666: Amsterdam?
1666: Amsterdam is set in the Dutch city of Amsterdam during the year 1666.
Players take control of Noah Brooklyn, a witch who explores the city by day while uncovering supernatural mysteries after dark. Her objective is to hunt demons that disguise themselves as ordinary people.
The story also spans multiple time periods, built around the idea that a sinister force reawakens every 333 years.
Although the game has yet to receive a release date, Panache Digital Games has emerged from years of silence and appears committed to bringing the long-delayed project to completion following its reported split from Microsoft’s publishing efforts.
