Ubisoft has officially announced a delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, pushing the release date to February 14, 2025. The decision comes as part of the company’s efforts to refine the game further, influenced by insights gained from the recent launch of Star Wars Outlaws.
In an effort to entice pre-orders, Ubisoft has also confirmed that customers will receive the first expansion free of charge, foregoing the need to purchase a Season Pass.
Focus on polish and player experience
Despite the game being described as “feature complete,” Ubisoft emphasised the importance of additional time to enhance the title’s quality. “The learnings from the Star Wars Outlaws release led us to provide additional time to further polish the title,” the company stated, aiming to deliver on the ambitious narrative involving dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, who each offer unique gameplay styles.
Read More:Assassin’s Creed Shadows set to launch in November 2024
CEO Yves Guillemot noted that the company’s second-quarter performance did not meet expectations, necessitating a rapid reassessment of its strategic direction. “This requires an even greater focus on a player-centric, gameplay-first approach and an unwavering commitment to the long-term value of our brands,” he elaborated.
However, the new release window presents challenges, as Assassin’s Creed Shadows will face competition from notable titles such as Kingdom Come Deliverance II and Avowed, both of which have also adjusted their release schedules to avoid congested launch periods.
Unique historical setting
Set in 16th century Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama era, Assassin’s Creed Shadows features a diverse cast, including a female ninja, Naoe, and Yasuke, a historical figure of African descent known for his service under Oda Nobunaga. The game aims to explore themes of identity and heritage, intertwining the narratives of both protagonists as they engage in combat against the Templars.
While Ubisoft has faced challenges in effectively communicating the game’s premise to a global audience, the potential of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to become a significant entry in the franchise remains. With its long-anticipated Japanese setting and dual gameplay mechanics, the title seeks to rejuvenate interest and elevate the Assassin’s Creed series to new heights.
