Ubisoft Delays Assassin’s Creed Shadows Amidst Cultural Backlash and Strategic Shifts
In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft has announced the delay of its much-anticipated title, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” pushing its release from November 15, 2024, to February 14, 2025. This decision comes in the wake of multiple challenges faced by the gaming giant, including a significant backlash over cultural representation and the underwhelming performance of another major release, “Star Wars: Outlaws.”
The inclusion of Yasuke, an African samurai, as a central character in Assassin’s Creed Shadows sparked a debate over historical accuracy and cultural integrity, particularly among Japanese fans and even politicians. Critics on social media platforms and forums argued that this creative choice diverged from the series’ tradition of maintaining a degree of historical fidelity, leading to a contentious discussion about the rewriting of history for entertainment purposes.
Furthermore, the trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows was met with skepticism, with some fans and critics pointing out that the game appeared unfinished. This perception likely contributed to Ubisoft’s decision to delay, aiming to polish the game further and possibly address the cultural concerns raised by the community.
On the financial front, Ubisoft has been grappling with the disappointing sales of “Star Wars: Outlaws,” which did not meet the company’s expectations. This performance has had a domino effect, leading to a reassessment of Ubisoft’s release strategy. In an attempt to recoup confidence and potentially boost sales, Ubisoft has also decided to make Assassin’s Creed Shadows a day-one release on Steam, reversing a trend of exclusivity or delayed PC releases on other platforms.
The decision to delay and adjust release strategies reflects Ubisoft’s attempt to navigate through both creative criticisms and commercial pressures. By postponing the launch, Ubisoft not only aims to refine the gameplay and narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows but also seeks to rebuild trust with its audience, particularly in Japan, where the cultural portrayal in games holds significant importance.
This move, while risky, underscores Ubisoft’s commitment to quality and its responsiveness to community feedback, hoping that the extra time will allow “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” to meet both fan expectations and the company’s financial targets upon its new release date on Valentine’s Day, 2025.
