Ubisoft Delays "Assassin's Creed Shadows" to February 2025 Amid Strategic Shifts
Ubisoft has recently announced a significant delay for one of its most anticipated titles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows . Originally slated for release on November 15, 2024, the game will now hit the market on February 14, 2025. This decision comes as a result of several internal and external factors, most notably the underwhelming performance of Star Wars Outlaws , which launched earlier this year in August. Ubisoft cited the need for additional time to polish the game as the primary reason behind the delay, a move aimed at ensuring Assassin's Creed Shadows meets fan expectations and lives up to the company’s ambitious goals for the franchise.
Despite being "feature complete," Ubisoft stated that the lessons learned from Star Wars Outlaws pushed them to reconsider the release schedule. The company's statement highlighted that extra time would allow the development team to enhance key gameplay elements, notably the dual protagonist adventure, featuring characters Naoe and Yasuke, each offering distinct playstyles. This approach underscores Ubisoft's commitment to delivering a polished experience, avoiding the pitfalls that plagued Star Wars Outlaws , which faced criticism for its repetitive mechanics and less-than-stellar stealth features.
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Adding to the industry buzz, Assassin's Creed Shadows will break from Ubisoft's usual business model. For the first time, the game will launch on Steam the same day as other platforms, signaling a change in Ubisoft's digital distribution strategy. Additionally, the company has announced that there will be no Season Pass, allowing all players to access the game simultaneously. Pre-orders will include a special bonus — the first expansion for free, adding an extra incentive for early adopters.
Ubisoft’s decision to delay Assassin's Creed Shadows also coincides with the recent announcement of PlayStation’s upcoming sequel, Ghost of Yōtei , which shares a similar historical Japanese setting. Both games are scheduled to release in 2025, potentially setting the stage for an exciting showdown between two major franchises.
Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, addressed these developments in a broader financial update, revealing a revised projection for the company's fiscal year. The company has lowered its expected net bookings for the year, driven in part by Star Wars Outlaws' softer-than-expected sales. In response, the development team for Outlaws has been tasked with implementing updates to improve the player experience in time for the holiday season, in hopes of turning the game into a long-term success.
For Assassin's Creed Shadows , Ubisoft's delay reflects the company’s focus on quality and long-term brand value. Guillemot reaffirmed that Ubisoft is doubling down on its strategy to prioritize open-world adventures and GaaS (Games-as-a-Service) experiences. With Assassin’s Creed being one of its flagship franchises, there’s an added pressure to make this entry a standout, both in terms of gameplay and financial performance.
As fans await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows , Ubisoft’s strategic shifts, along with their renewed focus on player-centric experiences, will be crucial in shaping the success of this highly anticipated title in 2025. While delays are never easy to accept, it seems Ubisoft is committed to ensuring this installment of Assassin's Creed will be worth the wait.
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