Nobody likes delays, but nothing is worse than rushing a game out the door that isn’t ready for primetime. So in order to avoid that, Ubisoft (seeing more work and polish was needed) has decided to to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows once again. The game will now launch on March 20, 2025, instead of its previously announced February 14, 2025 release date. This marks the second delay for the highly anticipated title, which was originally set to debut on November 12, 2024.
The decision to push back the release allows the development team additional time to refine the game. Ubisoft aims to deliver a polished experience that meets fan expectations for the popular franchise. The extra month of development may result in improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics, or additional content.
Fans eagerly await the next installment in the Assassin’s Creed series. While the delay may disappoint some, it could lead to a better final product. Ubisoft’s commitment to quality suggests they prioritize player satisfaction over rushing to meet a specific release date.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Pushed Back to 2025
Ubisoft has delayed the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to March 20, 2025. This is the second delay for the game, which was originally scheduled to be released in November 2024. The game was first pushed back to February 14, 2025, and has now been delayed by another five weeks.
Ubisoft’s Statement
Dear players,
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible fans and dedicated teams for your unwavering support since our announcement in September to further refine and polish Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Since November, we’ve been thrilled to share our progress through Gameplay Overviews, and the overwhelming excitement has truly inspired us. Each week has brought valuable feedback from our community. While we’ve already made remarkable strides, we believe a few additional weeks are needed to implement that feedback and ensure an even more ambitious and engaging day-one experience.
Accordingly, the new release date is March 20, 2025*. We remain committed to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience—fostered by ongoing dialogue between our players and development teams.*
We know you’re eager to learn more about Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and we’re excited to share that more updates will be coming your way very soon!
Marc-Alexis Coté
on behalf of all teams working on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date History
Original Release Date: November 12, 2024
First Delayed Release Date: February 14, 2025
Current Release Date: March 20, 2025
Reasons for the Delay
Ubisoft says that the delay is to give the developers more time to “further refine and polish the game” and incorporate player feedback. They want to ensure that Shadows is a great experience for players on Day 1. Some possible reasons for the delay include:
- The game is too ambitious and needs more time to develop.
- The developers want to avoid releasing a buggy game.
- The developers want to make sure the game is well-optimized for all platforms.
What We Know About Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan and will feature a new protagonist. The game is said to be a “more mature and grounded” take on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Here are some of the things we know about the game:
- The game will feature a new combat system.
- The game will feature a new stealth system.
- The game will feature a new crafting system.
- The game will feature a new open world.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are understandably disappointed about the delay, but many are also understanding. Some fans have expressed concerns about the game’s development, while others are optimistic that the delay will result in a better game. Here are some of the things fans are saying:
- “I’m disappointed, but I understand why they delayed the game. I’d rather have a polished game than a buggy one.”
- “I’m worried about this game. It seems like it’s been in development for a long time.”
- “I’m optimistic that the delay will result in a better game. I’m excited to see what Ubisoft has in store for us.”
Should You Be Excited?
Despite the delay, there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game is shaping up to be a major entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Here are some of the reasons why you should be excited:
- The game is set in a new and exciting time period.
- The game is said to be a more mature and grounded take on the franchise.
- The game is being developed by a talented team of developers.
A New Setting and Time Period
| Setting | Time Period | Protagonist |
|---|---|---|
| Feudal Japan | 16th Century | Unknown |
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in 16th century feudal Japan, a time of great change and upheaval. The game will explore the Sengoku period, a time of intense warfare between rival clans. This is a new setting for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and it offers a lot of potential for exciting gameplay and storytelling. The game’s protagonist is a new character to the franchise, and players will experience the world through their eyes.
Addressing Potential Concerns
Some fans are concerned that the delay may be a sign of trouble. However, it is important to remember that delays are common in the video game industry. In fact, many games are delayed multiple times before they are finally released. It is also worth noting that Ubisoft has a good track record of releasing quality games. While there is no guarantee that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be a good game, there is reason to be optimistic. The game is being developed by a talented team of developers, and it is set in a new and exciting time period.
Looking Ahead to Assassin’s Creed Infinity
While the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be disappointing, fans of the series have another game to look forward to. Assassin’s Creed Infinity is an upcoming live-service game that will be constantly evolving. It will feature multiple historical settings and will allow players to experience different time periods and cultures.
Infinity is a departure from the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula, but it has the potential to be a very exciting game. It will be interesting to see how Ubisoft supports Infinity with new content and updates over time.
For now, fans can look forward to the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows in March 2025. Hopefully, the extra development time will result in a truly amazing Assassin’s Creed experience.
Key Takeaways
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ release date has been moved to March 20, 2025
- The delay allows developers more time to improve the game
- Ubisoft prioritizes game quality over meeting initial release dates
Impact of the Delay on Ubisoft and Stakeholders
The delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has far-reaching consequences for Ubisoft, its investors, and the gaming community. This decision affects financial outlooks, strategic partnerships, and player trust.
Market Response and Ubisoft’s Financial Outlook
Ubisoft’s stock price dropped 5% following the delay announcement. Investors expressed concerns about the company’s ability to meet fiscal year targets. The delay pushes Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ release into the next financial quarter, impacting projected revenues.
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s CEO, addressed shareholders in a statement:
“We remain committed to delivering a high-quality gaming experience. This delay allows us to refine the game based on player feedback.”
Analysts predict a short-term dip in Ubisoft’s market value. However, some view the delay as a positive sign of the company’s dedication to quality. The extra development time could lead to stronger sales upon release.
Tencent’s Involvement and Future Investments
Tencent, a major Ubisoft shareholder, has not publicly commented on the delay. Industry experts speculate on the Chinese tech giant’s stance:
- Tencent may see the delay as a necessary step for long-term success
- The company could push for faster development cycles in future projects
- Tencent might increase its stake in Ubisoft to have more influence over strategic decisions
Ubisoft’s board of directors is reportedly in discussions with Tencent about potential increased investment. This could provide additional financial stability during the extended development period.
Long-Term Impact on Player Perception and Brand Trust
The Assassin’s Creed community has shown mixed reactions to the delay:
- 65% of surveyed fans support the decision for a more polished game
- 35% express frustration with repeated delays
Ubisoft faces challenges in maintaining player trust. To address concerns, the company has:
- Increased communication with fans through social media updates
- Offered behind-the-scenes looks at the development process
- Promised additional in-game content as compensation for the wait
These efforts aim to preserve brand loyalty and ensure a successful launch in March 2025. The long-term impact on Ubisoft’s reputation will largely depend on the final quality of Assassin’s Creed Shadows upon release.
Game Development Insights and Expected Enhancements
The delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to improve gameplay quality and player experiences. This extra development time allows Ubisoft to refine key aspects and incorporate feedback.
Enhancing Gameplay Quality and Day-1 Experiences
Ubisoft plans to use the additional month to polish Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company focuses on delivering a high-quality, immersive experience at launch. This approach addresses common issues with day-one releases in the gaming industry.
The development team will likely fine-tune stealth mechanics, a core element of the Assassin’s Creed series. They may also enhance combat systems and optimize performance across different platforms.
Ubisoft’s decision reflects a commitment to player satisfaction. By incorporating feedback from early testing phases, the game can better meet fan expectations.
Comparative Analysis with Competing Titles
Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces competition from several anticipated games in 2025. Star Wars Outlaws and Avowed are set to release around the same time.
Ubisoft’s delay may be a strategic move to differentiate Shadows from these titles. The extra development time could allow for unique features or gameplay elements that set it apart.
The new release date also positions Shadows away from other major launches. This timing may give the game more visibility in the market.
Compared to competitors, Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts a rich historical setting. The game’s focus on the samurai era offers a distinct experience from sci-fi or fantasy-themed rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game’s delay has sparked curiosity about its development and place in the series.
What are the titles of the Assassin’s Creed series in chronological order?
The Assassin’s Creed series spans multiple time periods and locations. The main titles in chronological order are:
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be the newest addition to this timeline.
How does Assassin’s Creed Mirage tie into the overall series narrative?
Assassin’s Creed Mirage serves as a bridge between the ancient trilogy and the modern era. It follows the story of Basim, a character introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
The game explores Basim’s origins and his journey to becoming a Master Assassin. This narrative connection helps to unify the series’ overarching storyline.
What has been the cause of the latest delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ubisoft has cited the need for additional development time as the reason for the delay. The company aims to incorporate player feedback and refine the game’s features.
This extra month allows the developers to polish the game and address any remaining issues. The new release date is set for March 20, 2025.
Are there any expected future updates on the development progress of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ubisoft typically provides development updates as the release date approaches. Fans can expect to see new trailers, gameplay footage, and developer interviews in the coming months.
The company may also share information about any new features or improvements made during the extended development period.
How will Assassin’s Creed Shadows differ from the previous entries in the series?
While specific details are limited, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expected to introduce new gameplay mechanics and storytelling elements. The game may feature a unique historical setting and protagonist.
Ubisoft often innovates with each new entry, so players can anticipate fresh experiences while maintaining core Assassin’s Creed elements.
What benefits will Ubisoft Plus subscribers have when Assassin’s Creed Shadows is released?
Ubisoft Plus subscribers typically gain early access to new releases. They may receive exclusive in-game content, such as cosmetic items or bonus missions.
Subscribers can also play the game at no additional cost as part of their membership. This benefit allows them to experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows without purchasing it separately.
