Ubisoft is banking on the impending release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to turn around a struggling financial situation marked by declining revenues and a dwindling stock price. Launching on Thursday, March 20, 2025, this new installment promises a significant return to one of the company’s most lucrative franchises following a stretch of underwhelming titles that has raised concerns about the firm’s trajectory.
In 2024, Ubisoft’s stock price plummeted over 40%, capturing the attention of activist investors. Amid these troubles, the founding Guillemot family, the company’s largest shareholders, is reportedly in discussions with Tencent and other potential buyers to explore options that may preserve their control over the company. While there has been much speculation surrounding the sale of Ubisoft's intellectual properties, the firm has remained tight-lipped.
The launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is viewed as a critical moment for Ubisoft. According to Joost Van Dreunen, a lecturer at NYU’s Stern School of Business, a successful release could greatly enhance the company’s financial standing. “If it does really well, it could go a long way toward repairing its financial position,” he commented. This excitement is tempered by the launch’s tight timing with the company’s ongoing financial woes.
Set in feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows showcases two protagonists, Naoe, a stealthy female assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai inspired by a real-life figure from history. This dual-character system marks a notable shift in gameplay mechanics, focusing on the franchise’s hallmark elements of parkour and stealth, while incorporating innovative features designed to enhance player engagement.
Industry insiders are hopeful this installment can capture audiences much like its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which amassed more than $1 billion in revenue following its launch. YouTuber Jordan Van Andel emphasizes the need for the game to connect with a broader audience beyond its core fan base to replicate this financial success. He reported, “While the game is more polished than recent entries, its storyline may not meet all fan expectations.”
Adding complexity to the anticipated launch is the division of opinion regarding the game’s character representation. The portrayal of diverse characters, including an African samurai and a female lead, has stirred controversy, especially against the backdrop of current political discourse in the United States surrounding issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Analyst Michael Pachter from Wedbush Securities remarked, “The existing political climate may influence public reception regarding such creative choices.”
Conversely, there are analysts who posit that the very controversies surrounding diversity could inadvertently bolster interest in the game, potentially acting as “free press.” Van Dreunen echoed this sentiment, remarking that discussions about diversity could help attract a larger player base, akin to the success seen with Sony’s Horizon series.
As fans prepare for the launch, the excitement builds not only around the gameplay itself but also around specific innovations within the game’s structure. One highlighted feature is “Canon Mode,” a narrative-driven design that defines certain player choices as the official story. While this approach could limit creative freedom, it aims to streamline the franchise’s overall narrative direction.
With its official launch fast approaching, Ubisoft revealed Assassin’s Creed Shadows will debut on various platforms. Players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S can expect to dive into the experience starting at midnight on March 20, while PC gamers using Steam will have access to the game at 4 AM GMT. Notably, those using Ubisoft Connect will be able to play starting at 10 PM GMT on March 19, with different time zones across the globe adjusting accordingly.
As anticipated, the game has generated significant buzz regarding pre-orders and installation requirements. The File sizes range from around 102.6GB on PlayStation 5, to about 107GB on Xbox Series S and X, indicating the demanding nature of the game. Pre-order bonuses for players include access to additional quests and content, raising questions about the price-value proposition of the Deluxe and Collector's editions available at £69.99 and £200 respectively.
Big hopes rest on the shoulders of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Its performance may determine not only the financial viability of Ubisoft moving forward but also reshape public perception of the blockbuster franchise that has defined much of the gaming industry for nearly two decades. Analysts have been watching closely, noting that the game has already accumulated an 81 Metacritic score, reflecting generally favorable reviews.
As fans look to jump into this latest chapter of the Assassin’s Creed saga, the balance between innovation, player choice, and cultural representation looms large. The anticipation that has exploded around the game foreshadows critical engagement and could ultimately serve as a turning point for both Ubisoft and the franchise itself. The company will need to deliver not just a compelling gaming experience but also align its narrative choices with fans’ and critics’ expectations if it hopes to regain its foothold in an increasingly competitive market.
