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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Far Cry

Far Cry is an anthology franchise of first-person shooter video games published by Ubisoft.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Far Cry is an anthology franchise of first-person shooter video games published by Ubisoft. The series began with *Far Cry*, a 2004 game developed by Crytek to showcase its CryEngine technology, before Ubisoft took over most later development through Ubisoft Montreal and other studios. The franchise is known for open-world gameplay and has expanded to multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, and a film adaptation.

Overview

Far Cry is Ubisoft's long-running first-person shooter franchise. Its main entries combine shooting, exploration, and action-adventure elements, often set in open-world environments.

History

The series started with Crytek's 2004 *Far Cry*, which introduced the franchise and helped demonstrate CryEngine. Ubisoft later took control of the brand and expanded it into a major series with multiple sequels and spin-offs.

Gameplay and style

Far Cry games are typically first-person shooters with open-world structure and action-adventure mechanics. The series is also known for large map design, player freedom, and distinct settings for each major entry.

Media and spin-offs

Beyond the main games, the franchise includes standalone expansions and other spin-offs. It was also adapted into a 2008 film directed by Uwe Boll.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with *Far Cry*, released in March 2004 for Microsoft Windows.
  • The first game was developed by Crytek and originally served as a showcase for CryEngine.
  • Ubisoft later acquired the franchise rights and led most subsequent development.
  • The series is commonly described as an anthology, with main games featuring separate settings and stories.
  • A film adaptation titled *Far Cry* was released in 2008.
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Canadian context

Ubisoft, the publisher of Far Cry, is headquartered in France but has major Canadian development operations, especially Ubisoft Montreal, which has helped develop much of the series.

Frequently asked questions

What is Far Cry?
Far Cry is a video game franchise published by Ubisoft, centered on first-person shooter games with action-adventure elements.
Who made the first Far Cry game?
The first *Far Cry* was developed by Crytek and published by Ubisoft in 2004.
Is Far Cry an open-world series?
Yes. The franchise is widely described as featuring open-world gameplay.
How many Far Cry main games are there?
As of 2025, the franchise is described as having six mainline games, plus a standalone expansion and several spin-offs.
When was the first Far Cry released?
The first *Far Cry* was released in March 2004.
Was Far Cry adapted into a film?
Yes. A *Far Cry* film adaptation was released in 2008.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_Cry
    Supports: Franchise description, publisher, first release, latest release, genre, later development by Ubisoft studios
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Far-Cry-electronic-game
    Supports: Original game details, release year, story overview, critical reception
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_Cry_(video_game)
    Supports: First game developer, publication, release date, original game setting and success
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_Cry_(disambiguation)
    Supports: Film adaptation and disambiguation context
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/all-far-cry-games-in-order
    Supports: Series entry count and chronology context
  6. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Far-Cry-electronic-game
    Supports: Ubisoft as publisher and the game's significance