Ubisoft has announced a second delay for its highly anticipated title, Assassins Creed Shadows, now rescheduled for release on March 20, 2025. This follows an earlier postponement from its original November 2024 launch date to February 14, 2025. The decision comes as the company seeks to incorporate player feedback and enhance the overall gaming experience.
Set in 16thcentury Japan, Assassins Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Yasuke, a samurai of African origin, and Naoe, a female ninja. The game aims to deliver a rich narrative during the era of unification under Oda Nobunaga. However, Ubisoft has faced challenges, including cultural criticisms and concerns over the originality of the storyline. citeturn0news18
The delays also reflect Ubisofts response to the underwhelming performance of its previous title, Star Wars Outlaws, which suffered from bugs and glitches at launch. Learning from this, Ubisoft is taking additional time to polish Assassins Creed Shadows, ensuring a more refined product upon release. citeturn0search0
In a significant shift, Ubisoft has decided to abandon the traditional Season Pass model for this installment. Players who preorder the game will receive the first expansion, Claws of Awaji, for free. This move comes after backlash over exclusive content being locked behind additional paywalls. citeturn0search2
Financially, Ubisoft has faced a 17 drop in share value following the games delays and revised financial outlooks. The company now projects net bookings of approximately 1.95 billion for the fiscal year, down from previous estimates. Activist shareholders are increasing pressure, with some advocating for a potential sale or privatization of the company. citeturn0news19
Despite these challenges, Ubisoft remains committed to delivering a highquality gaming experience. Assassins Creed Shadows will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS, and, potentially, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as suggested by recent PEGI listings. citeturn0news12
As the new release date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to explore feudal Japan through the eyes of Yasuke and Naoe, hoping that the additional development time will result in a polished and immersive experience.