Ubisoft postpones "Assassin's Creed Shadows" again after player criticism
The Assassin's Creed title set in historical Japan is now due to be released in March. Ubisoft promises to adapt the game after some heavy criticism.
In "Assassin's Creed Shadows" you play a protagonist duo
(Image: Ubisoft)
As part of a strategic update for the company as a whole, Ubisoft has announced the further postponement of the upcoming game title "Assassin's Creed Shadows". The game, which was heavily criticized on the internet, was originally due to be released in mid-November 2024, but was previously postponed to February 14 of this year. It has now been announced that the next title in the Assassin's Creed series will be available on March 20, 2025.
"As part of the renewed focus on game quality and exciting Day 1 experiences, it has been decided to add an additional month to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows," writes Ubisoft. "This additional time will allow the team to better incorporate the player feedback gathered over the past three months and to create the best conditions for launch by continuing to work closely with the increasingly positive Assassin's Creed community."
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"Assassin's Creed Shadows" takes role-playing fans to 16th century Japan, where for the first time since "Assassin's Creed Syndicate" they can control two protagonists of equal status: Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a historically documented samurai with African roots. But it is Yasuke in particular that apparently divides opinion. Many criticize Ubisoft for highlighting a person of color in historical Japan.
More time for the integration of player feedback
It is unclear whether it is the criticism of Yasuke's character that has prompted Ubisoft to postpone the game's release date by almost five weeks. The developers explain on X (formerly Twitter) that the "few extra weeks are needed to implement fan feedback". The aim is to create an "even more challenging and exciting experience on day one".
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Previously, Ubisoft had already said goodbye to the previously used Season Pass model with more expensive editions for a few days' advance access and cosmetic items as well as exclusive missions for pre-orders. This was also planned for "Assassin's Creed Shadows", but Ubisoft already annoyed fans with a similar strategy with "Star Wars Outlaws". Instead, the games company promised that all buyers would be able to play it at the same time. However, pre-orderers would receive the first expansion pack free of charge. In addition, Ubisoft has turned back to Steam during the deep crisis and is once again offering its games on this PC platform.
Ubisoft wants to save millions
Ubisoft's strategic update is primarily concerned with economic aspects of the company. The company stated that it will be able to save more than 200 million euros in fixed costs in the coming 2025/2026 financial year compared to the 2022/2023 financial year. Ubisoft will also be shutting down the free2play shooter "Xdefiant" and closing three development studios, as these are located in places with high salary costs.
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