Ubisoft is set to launch its highly anticipated game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, on March 20, 2025, marking the return of its flagship franchise after a string of high-profile failures. This latest installment aims to revive confidence in the company, which has seen its stock fall by over 40% last year amid disappointing sales and financial warnings.
After several delays, Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available at midnight local time for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, while PC gamers on Ubisoft Connect will get access three hours earlier. This unified global release is a departure from Ubisoft's previous practices, where early access could sometimes be purchased.
The game transports players to feudal Japan in 1579, a visually captivating setting that has enthralled gamers for years. Players will control two protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy ninja assassin, and Yasuke, inspired by the real-life African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. However, this diverse representation has sparked controversy, including backlash from figures such as Elon Musk, as discussions around diversity and inclusion gain momentum in the U.S.
Joost Van Dreunen, a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, remarked, "The release of Assassin's Creed Shadows is a bit of an existential moment for Ubisoft. If it does really well, it could go a long way toward repairing its financial position." The company has faced substantial scrutiny for relying on large-scale licenses to create games, with its failures in titles like Avatar: Frontier of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws resulting in significant questions about its strategy.
As Assassin's Creed Shadows prepares for launch, pre-load options are currently available for Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC. IGN’s review of the game awarded it an impressive 8 out of 10, emphasizing the refined gameplay, stating: "By sharpening the edges of its existing systems, Assassin's Creed Shadows creates one of the best versions of the open-world style it’s been honing for the last decade." However, critics like Jordan Van Andel point out that while the game offers a polished experience, it must attract a broader player base beyond longtime fans to achieve the financial success of its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
The earnings generated by Valhalla, the first in the franchise to break the billion-dollar revenue mark, set a high bar for Shadows. North America accounted for over 53% of Ubisoft’s total video game bookings in fiscal 2024, a critical market that will play a pivotal role in the new game’s performance amid the current climate where diverse characters have become the subject of heated debates.
Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, commented on the political climate, stating, "We could argue that the people that voted for Trump... they would have hated the game anyway, but I think that they would have been less vocal." The backlash against the game's character design reveals broader societal tensions over representation in media, which could influence its reception among audiences.
Despite this, Van Dreunen suggests that the ongoing controversy might serve as free publicity, making the title even more intriguing to potential players. While Ubisoft is hoping for a straightforward release, the challenges posed by the backlash may complicate the launch.
Those interested in pre-ordering Assassin's Creed Shadows will gain access to exclusive content, including a new quest and a planned expansion set for later in 2025. Additionally, the title will only be available on modern platforms—PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S—with no releases for older consoles like the PS4 or Xbox One.
With a file size of 123GB, Assassin's Creed Shadows positions itself as a substantial offering for gamers, and players can expect gameplay lasting between 30 to 40 hours, not including optional side quests and exploration.
In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Shadows represents a critical moment not just for Ubisoft, but for its fan base as well. As the company strives to shift gears and emerge from the shadows of its recent past, the success of this title could redefine its trajectory moving forward. All eyes will be on March 20, 2025, as players prepare to dive into a new chapter of this storied franchise—one that is watching the waves of societal attitudes as closely as it watches the gaming landscape.
