http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/11/why-assassins-creed-is-skipping-2016

Ubisoft confirmed that it would not release a new Assassin's Creed game in 2016, and it's because the publisher is "re-examining" the franchise.

"This year, we also are stepping back and re-examining the Assassin’s Creed franchise," an article on UbiBlog explains.

It continues, "Since the release of Assassin’s Creed Unity, we’ve learned a lot based on your feedback. We’ve also updated our development processes and recommitted to making Assassin’s Creed a premier open-world franchise. We’re taking this year to evolve the game mechanics and to make sure we’re delivering on the promise of Assassin’s Creed offering unique and memorable gameplay experiences that make history everyone’s playground."

Earlier this year, a rumor asserted Assassin's Creed would not release in 2016, and that the next game, called Empire, would be set in Egypt.

Egypt's fine and all, but they know the fans want feudal Japan but still won't pull the trigger.