Ubisoft has confidently stated that preorders for its highly anticipated open-world adventure, Assassin's Creed Shadows, are robust, matching the numbers seen with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second most successful title. Despite facing a challenging development and promotional phase, the game is poised for a strong launch.
In the company's latest financial report, Ubisoft highlighted that "preorders for the game are tracking solidly, in line with those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey." CEO Yves Guillemot echoed this optimism, emphasizing the team's dedication to the upcoming release scheduled for March 20. "We are fully focused on the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows," Guillemot stated, praising the game's narrative depth and immersive experience. He specifically commended the dual protagonist approach, which has received positive feedback in early previews for enhancing the game's storyline and gameplay quality.
Originally slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows faced delays, first being pushed to February 14, and then again to the current date of March 20. As the first full entry in the Assassin's Creed series since 2020 and set in Japan, the game carries significant expectations. Ubisoft, grappling with recent underperforming titles and investor discontent, is counting on Assassin's Creed Shadows to rejuvenate its fortunes.
The promotional journey for Assassin's Creed Shadows has not been without its hurdles. The development team issued apologies for inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and for the unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Additionally, collectible figure maker PureArts had to pull an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue from the market due to its "insensitive" design. These controversies, coupled with the game's delays, have fueled growing impatience among fans.
Despite these challenges, Ubisoft remains steadfast in its belief that Assassin's Creed Shadows will fulfill its promise as the franchise's most ambitious entry to date. The company's CEO expressed gratitude towards the team's tireless efforts, underlining their commitment to delivering an exceptional gaming experience.