Ubisoft, the renowned video game company, has announced that its highly-anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will be delayed until next year. Originally set to release on 12 November, the game will now hit the shelves on 14 February 2025.
The decision to push back the release date comes in the wake of the underwhelming performance of Ubisoft’s recent title, Star Wars Outlaws, and growing concerns about the company’s management. Executive producer Marc-Alexis Cote explained that the developers require more time to refine and polish the gaming experience, stating, “We understand this decision will come as disappointing news, but we sincerely believe this is in the best interest of the game.”
Despite Assassin’s Creed Shadows being “feature complete,” Ubisoft acknowledged the need for additional time to address issues highlighted by the Star Wars Outlaws release. The trading update sent to investors revealed that sales of the game were lower than expected due to technical problems.
In response to the delay, Ubisoft has promised to refund fans who pre-ordered the game and offer a free expansion to those who place new pre-orders for the revised launch. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will mark the first installment in the series set in Japan, a long-awaited setting for fans since the franchise’s inception in 2007.
The decision to postpone the game’s release beyond the lucrative Christmas period was undoubtedly a difficult one for Ubisoft, especially considering the recent decline in the company’s shares. Following the disappointing performance of Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft’s shares have plummeted to their lowest point in a decade, prompting calls from minority investors for significant changes within the company.
Ubisoft co-founder and CEO Yves Guillemot attributed the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to the company’s second-quarter performance falling short of expectations. Despite the setbacks, Guillemot reassured fans that Ubisoft remains dedicated to creating enjoyable gaming experiences for players.
As fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft faces the challenge of regaining momentum and restoring confidence in its ability to deliver high-quality games.
