Ubisoft has announced a delay for its upcoming action-adventure game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which is set in Japan. The title was originally scheduled for release on November 15 but will now be available on February 14, 2025, across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. Despite being labeled “feature complete,” the decision to push back the launch comes after Ubisoft’s review of the launch performance of Star Wars Outlaws, prompting the company to allocate more time for further refinement of the game.
In light of this delay, Ubisoft has revised its financial projections for the fiscal year 2024-25, attributing it to both the postponement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and the disappointing sales of Star Wars Outlaws.
Delay Announcement for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft emphasized its commitment to incorporating player feedback in its decision to shift the game’s release to February 2024. “While the game is feature complete, insights gained from the launch of Star Wars Outlaws led us to seek additional time for polishing,” the company stated in a press release issued Wednesday. “This will ensure that the latest entry in the franchise can fully achieve its potential, particularly by showcasing the distinct gameplay styles of our dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke.”
Additionally, Ubisoft announced a shift away from the conventional Season Pass model for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This decision follows player backlash after details were released about the Season Pass, which included a bonus quest at launch along with two future expansions.
Moreover, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will also be made available on Steam from day one, along with distribution through Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store on PC.
The delay, coupled with the soft launch of Star Wars Outlaws, has prompted Ubisoft to adjust its financial expectations for FY 2024-25. The French studio now anticipates net bookings of approximately €1.95 billion (around Rs. 18,194 crore). For the second quarter, net bookings are projected to be between €350-370 million (roughly Rs. 3,266 crore – Rs. 3,452 crore).
Star Wars Outlaws Sales Performance
Following lackluster sales of Star Wars Outlaws, whose exact unit sales figures have not been disclosed, Ubisoft is initiating a series of updates aimed at enhancing the game and improving player engagement. The company has stated its development teams are “fully mobilized” to implement improvements that can attract more players ahead of the holiday season. On November 21, Star Wars Outlaws will also debut on Steam.
In a recent statement, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot reiterated the company’s focus on open-world and live service games, despite the lackluster launches seen in both categories this year, including Skull and Bones and XDefiant, neither of which met player expectations.
Addressing Controversies Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Guillemot also indirectly addressed the controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows without naming the game directly. Since its announcement, which confirmed that Yasuke, a historical samurai of African descent, would be one of its two main characters, the game has faced online backlash.
While the game has encountered valid critiques regarding its pricing and Season Pass system, some commentators have accused Ubisoft of promoting a progressive agenda by including a Black protagonist. Guillemot did not specifically touch on the negative online discourse but aimed to reassure players. “I want to reaffirm that we are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience. Our goal is not to promote any specific agenda,” he said. “We are dedicated to developing games that resonate with fans and players alike.”
