Summary
When Ubisoft decided to delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows into 2025 after the poor initial response to Star Wars Outlaws, it was a shock.Despite the faux outrage over Yasuke, the game seemed largely complete, and Ubisoft concurred.
That said, whileUbisoftagreed that the game was “feature complete,“it affirmed in a release that the delay"will enable the biggest entry in the franchise to fully deliver on its ambition, notably by fulfilling the promise of our dual protagonist adventure, with Naoe and Yasuke bringing two very different gameplay styles.”
Now, in a new conversation, Ubisoft’s Marc-Alexis Coté, the head ofAssassin’s Creed, discussed the importance of delayingShadows. In particular,Coté discussed how the move is important to Ubisoft’s future as a whole.
A Lot Is Riding On Shadows
Speaking at a BAFTA event that wasattended by and transcribed by Eurogamer, Coté said the following:
“Players can afford to be selective, choosing only the best, and they rightfully demand excellence. Ubisoft’s portfolio has faced criticism in recent years for a perceived inconsistency in quality.”
While Ubisoft games are largely major sellers, they are often criticized for feeling very same-y in their approach.The Ubisoft “open world” formula has become something of a meme of sorts in the larger gaming community, leading to some fatigue.
And so, according to Coté, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents our opportunity to change that narrative, not just for Assassin’s Creed, but I think for Ubisoft as a whole.”
The hope that a strong release for Shadows can help change the narrative about Ubisoft is part of the reason why Coté asked for a delay. “Our playtests and team feedback made it clear Shadows had immense potential, but I felt we needed more time to ensure it fully meets the high expectations of our players,” he relayed.
Shadows' delay did not just change the release date, but the entire model of the game as well.A Season Pass will no longer be included, and all players will receive the first expansion for free. Not only that, but Early Access has also been eliminated, andSteam will play host to the release on Day 1, breaking previous tradition.
“We only have one shot at launching this game, and it has to exceed those expectations,” Coté said. And he’s not wrong. Those initial first impressions are critical and will no doubt influence player choices. Only time will tell if Ubisoft’s decision ultimately sticks the landing. One thing is clear, though, they’re going to do everything to change how people view Ubisoft.
