The first look at gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that fans have eagerly anticipated for years, was finally revealed in June 2024. However, this initial showcase sparked significant controversy, particularly within the Japanese gaming community. Many Japanese fans expressed their anger regarding Yasuke, one of the two main characters in AC Shadows, and pointed out various historical and cultural inaccuracies attributed to Ubisoft.
Release Delayed for Improvements
In response to the backlash, Ubisoft decided to postpone the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to February 2025. According to Insider Gaming, this decision was not made hastily; developers had been advocating for a delay for some time. Following the lukewarm reception of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft was cautious about launching another title that could fall short of sales expectations. The new release date aims to provide developers with additional time to resolve bugs and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Addressing Cultural Concerns
Insider Gaming reports that Ubisoft is also committed to tackling the cultural and historical concerns raised by fans after the game's first reveal. These issues reportedly stemmed from a tight development timeline that led to cost-cutting measures. Moreover, the studio did not enlist experts in a timely manner to ensure the historical, cultural, and architectural fidelity of the game.
According to claims from Insider Gaming, Assassin’s Creed Shadows "is currently not at the stage it needs to be for release," a sentiment echoed by PH Brazil. The leaker indicates that the game is currently plagued with bugs, which influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the launch, as they wanted to avoid releasing a flawed AC title.
Sales Expectations and Future Outlook
On the sales front, PH Brazil also claims that Ubisoft has set an internal target of 10 million units for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company believes it can achieve this goal if the game is launched in a stable condition with minimal bugs, as they are reportedly pleased with the overall quality of the game.
In summary, it seems that Ubisoft's decision to push back the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has provided developers with much-needed time to improve the game. Fans hope this extra time leads to a polished experience, unlike the one offered by Star Wars Outlaws.
Insider Gaming, PH Brazil on YouTube (Portuguese) via r/GamingLeaksAndRumors
