Why Assassin's Creed Shadows Is Set to Transform Ubisoft's Future

Why Assassin's Creed Shadows could be Ubisoft’s defining moment? Ubisoft’s tumultuous journey from last year is set to bleed into 2025 with the third delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game is going to be the catalyst of the biggest change in the company after its release this year.

Why Assassin's Creed Shadows Could Be Ubisoft’s Defining Moment

Originally slated for November 2024, the game was later pushed to February 14th, 2025, before finally landing on a new release date: March 20th. Ubisoft cites community feedback as the reason for the delay, stating that the extra development time will allow the team to refine the game further. However, speculation suggests that avoiding February’s crowded release schedule may have also influenced the decision, with heavyweights like Monster Hunter Wilds and Civilization 7 dominating the month.

Shadows: The Next Big Chapter for Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be a major milestone for the franchise, drawing on the massive success of Valhalla while introducing a new setting and protagonist. The game’s narrative focuses on Yosuke, a controversial figure whose inclusion has already sparked online debates. Set against the backdrop of Japan, the game aims to merge historical drama with immersive mythology—a blend that has long defined the series.

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Expansion Leaks and a Shift in Strategy

Adding to the buzz, Ubisoft inadvertently leaked the game’s first expansion, Claws of Awaji, on its Steam page. The expansion promises over 10 hours of content centered on Awaji Island, delving into Japanese mythology with new weapons, skills, and abilities. Notably, Ubisoft appears to be moving away from its traditional season pass model, hinting that future expansions might be free. This shift could mark a significant change in the company’s approach to monetization, reflecting efforts to rebuild trust with its player base.

Controversies behind Assassin's Creed Shadows

However, the road to release hasn’t been smooth. Ubisoft faced backlash over several design choices, including the unauthorized use of a Japanese reenactment troupe’s flag and a torii gate in the collector’s edition that symbolizes the World War II atomic bombing in Nagasaki. These missteps have cast a shadow over the game’s promotional efforts, although recent gameplay previews have received positive feedback.

torii gate Assassin's Creed Shadows sixburn gaming

Behind the scenes, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been marred by serious allegations against Brandoville Studios, a support studio involved in the game’s development. Reports of workplace abuse, including claims that the studio head demanded a video of an employee slapping herself and overworked a pregnant staff member, have further tarnished Ubisoft’s reputation. With Ubisoft already under scrutiny for its corporate culture, these revelations add another layer of complexity to the company’s struggles.

High Stakes for Ubisoft’s Future

The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows comes at a critical juncture for Ubisoft. Recent failures like XDefiant, Skull and Bones, and Star Wars Outlaws have left the company desperate for a win. The success of Shadows could serve as a lifeline, especially as rumors swirl about a potential sale of Ubisoft. CEO Yves Guillemot’s family currently maintains control of the company, but Chinese conglomerate Tencent is reportedly eyeing an increased stake. Tencent, which already owns significant shares in major gaming companies like Riot Games, Epic Games, and FromSoftware, could leverage Shadows’ performance as a deciding factor in its acquisition plans.

Guillemot Brothers in negotiations with Tencent over potential Ubisoft ownership

The Countdown to March 20th

As the March release date approaches, all eyes are on Ubisoft. Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows live up to its promise and help the company regain its footing, or will it falter under the weight of controversy and high expectations? Beyond the game’s success, its impact on the broader gaming industry and Ubisoft’s future ownership could make Shadows one of the most significant releases in recent memory. For now, players and industry watchers alike can only wait and see what the next chapter holds for Ubisoft.