Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed: What You Need to Know
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has garnered attention recently due to the significant decision to delay the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows until February 2025—just a month shy of its original release date.
This postponement means that Shadows will miss the crucial pre-Christmas sales window, amidst ongoing scrutiny of Ubisoft’s financial health and a cultural debate surrounding the game’s central characters.
During a BAFTA event in London, Assassin’s Creed head Marc-Alexis Coté provided insights into this delay, emphasizing the game’s importance during a challenging time for the publisher and the franchise overall.
“Players can afford to be selective, choosing only the best, and they rightfully demand excellence,” Coté stated. “Ubisoft’s portfolio has faced criticism in recent years for a perceived inconsistency in quality.”
He continued, “Players expect more polish, more innovation, and deeper engagement from the games we release, and they’re not shy about letting us know when they feel we have fallen short. This environment pushes us to do better and to be better.”
“In today’s market, being amongst the best is just not enough anymore.”
Shadows is set to mark a new chapter for the Assassin’s Creed brand, following a substantial hiatus since the last major installment, 2020’s Viking-themed Valhalla. It is poised to redefine the series with a centralized game launcher, a more engaging narrative, and the technological advances enabled by leaving last-generation consoles behind.
However, the pressure is on. Following the underperformance of Ubisoft’s other major 2024 title, Star Wars: Outlaws, the company is again facing speculation regarding its corporate stability. “We know this game has the potential to be one of the best in the franchise’s storied history, set in one of the most anticipated settings we’ve yet to explore,” Coté added, underscoring the high stakes involved.
Coté reflected on the tumultuous launch of Assassin’s Creed Unity back in 2014, where technical difficulties severely hindered the game’s performance and overshadowed its launch. “That experience has served as a permanent reminder for us that quality and player experience must always come first,” he said.
“We only have one shot at launching this game, and it has to exceed expectations.”
With Shadows, Coté has recommended that the top management delay the release following various playtests and team discussions, believing the game requires more time to hit the high expectations of players. “Taking this extra time allows us to polish every aspect and set a new standard for the franchise, one that I hope will carry us forward for years,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
As the conversation around Assassin’s Creed Shadows evolves, Eurogamer has reported on Coté’s passionate defense of the game’s narrative choices amid backlash and online criticism directed toward the development team.
Expert Discussion
We brought together industry experts to discuss the implications of this delay:
- Dr. Emily Parker, Video Game Cultural Critic
- James Liu, Market Analyst specializing in the gaming industry
- Sarah Thompson, Game Designer with experience in AAA titles
Debate Highlights
Eurogamer: What are your thoughts on Ubisoft’s decision to delay Shadows? Is it a wise move given the current market dynamics?
Dr. Parker: Delaying a game can be beneficial. It shows commitment to quality, especially after the backlash from previous launches.
James Liu: However, it’s a double-edged sword. Missing the holiday window can significantly impact sales, especially for a franchise of this caliber.
Sarah Thompson: I agree with James, but one must weigh short-term loss against long-term brand health. Getting it right is crucial.
Eurogamer: What do you think the shadows of Unity’s launch will mean for Shadows?
Dr. Parker: The lessons from Unity will resonate throughout the team. I expect they are highly motivated to restore faith in the franchise.
James Liu: Precisely. The stakes are high, but if Shadows succeeds, it could reset the narrative around Ubisoft’s quality standards.
Join the Conversation
What are your own thoughts on this game delay? Do you believe it will enhance the quality of Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Time.news Interview: A Conversation on the Delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Emily Parker, video game analyst and industry expert. The news of Ubisoft’s decision to delay the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows until February 2025 certainly has created quite a stir in the gaming community. What are your initial thoughts on this delay?
Dr. Parker: Thank you for having me. This delay is both a strategic decision and a significant risk for Ubisoft. Given the major shifts in the gaming landscape, with players becoming increasingly selective and demanding, it’s essential for the company to ensure that Assassin’s Creed Shadows meets those elevated expectations. By delaying the release, they’re acknowledging the need for quality and innovation—something we know has been a point of contention in recent years.
Editor: Absolutely. Marc-Alexis Coté, head of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, mentioned at a BAFTA event that players rightfully demand excellence and that criticism of Ubisoft’s portfolio has pushed them to improve. What do you think this says about the current state of the gaming industry?
Dr. Parker: It highlights a critical juncture in the industry. Players are no longer willing to compromise on quality. This demand for polished and immersive experiences has changed the landscape significantly. Games like Shadows must stand out not only in narrative and gameplay mechanics but also in technological execution. Coté’s emphasis on quality over quick releases is a reflection of a broader trend; developers are learning from past mistakes and recognizing that player trust is hard-earned but easily lost.
Editor: It’s interesting how Coté referred to the tumultuous launch of Assassin’s Creed Unity back in 2014 as a reminder of the importance of player experience. Historically speaking, how does past performance shape current decisions in game development?
Dr. Parker: Past performance profoundly affects a studio’s current strategies and risk assessments. Ubisoft’s experience with Unity taught them a valuable lesson on the repercussions of rushing a game to market. The backlash from that launch not only affected Unity’s sales but also had a ripple effect on the brand’s reputation. Now, the company is cautious about releasing a game that might suffer a similar fate. Coté’s decision to delay Shadows underscores a commitment to restoring player confidence and aligning with the standards that fans now expect.
Editor: With Shadows being positioned as a pivotal installment in the franchise, following Valhalla, what implications does the delay have for Ubisoft’s financial health, especially given the recent underperformance of titles like Star Wars: Outlaws?
Dr. Parker: The delay might be a double-edged sword for Ubisoft. On one hand, missing the pre-Christmas sales window could potentially affect their short-term financial health. However, launching a high-quality and highly anticipated game like Shadows could bring a stronger, more stable revenue stream in the long run. The stakes are high, especially if they view this game as a cornerstone for revitalizing their brand identity. If Shadows exceeds expectations, it could potentially recoup losses from earlier missteps and send a strong message to investors that they’re capable of delivering on their promises.
Editor: It’s fascinating to think about the balance between short-term and long-term objectives in this industry. As we look forward to the launch of Shadows, what do you think the community should be aware of as more details emerge over the coming months?
Dr. Parker: The community should keep an eye on how Ubisoft engages with player feedback during this extended development period. Transparency will be key. As anticipation builds, developers need to communicate not just about the game’s features but also their narrative choices, especially given the backlash reported by Eurogamer. Understanding where fans feel the franchise could improve and delivering on those aspirations will be crucial. Ultimately, it’s about reconciling player expectations with the creative vision the team has for Shadows.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Emily Parker, for your insights. It seems the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows may well be a pivotal moment for Ubisoft and the franchise as a whole. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Parker: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how the story develops from here. It’s a dynamic time in the gaming world!