The release ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas been postponed by another five weeks for polishing, pushing the game’s launch to March.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed to March
Luck doesn’t seem to favorAssassin’s Creed Shadows.Initially slated for release last November on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game was delayed to February.
In a domino effect, the game’s postponement brought more bad news for Ubisoft, including the looming possibility of privatization and rumors of bankruptcy.
It seemedAssassin’s Creed Shadowswould shine on Valentine’s Day, but the development team has been forced to push the launch once again.
Marc-Alexis Côté, head ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, announced in a statement that the game’s release is now set for March 20.
“We believe a few more weeks are needed to ensure Shadows is as ambitious as it is enjoyable,” the statement reads.Côté adds that this extra time will allow the team to refine and improve the game, leveraging community feedback gathered during the weekly updates on the project.
“Therefore, the new release date will be March 20,” the statement continues. “We are committed to delivering an immersive, high-quality game, thanks to the dialogue established between players and our development teams.”
A Critical Moment for Ubisoft
This announcement coincides with Ubisoft’s new strategy dictated by its Executive Committee, focusing on maximizing efficiency and product quality to avoid a financial crisis.
Under the supervision of an independent committee, Ubisoft plans to cut costs, including the cancellation of XDefiant, layoffs, and studio closures, aiming to save at least €200 million.
Despite these challenges, Ubisoft remains optimistic about recovery in fiscal year 2024-25, targeting €1.9 billion in net bookings for the period.
The additional five-week delay, relative to the planned February 14 release date, is reasonable, though Ubisoft’s shareholders might not share the same perspective.
Recently, it was revealed that the French company is experiencing its most severe stock market crisis, with its valuation down 85% since 2021.
Shadows Must Succeed
Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis under immense pressure to succeed—it is crucial for Ubisoft’s short- and medium-term profitability.
Even before its release, the story of Naoe and Yasuke was heavily influenced by sales, particularly those of Ubisoft’s prior title,Star Wars Outlaws.
Disappointing numbers from Outlaws prompted the first delay of Shadows, allowing for additional polishing to avoid technical issues that could hurt its commercial performance.
Let’s hope the promising progress ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, which has been well received by the franchise’s community, ensures the game achieves well-deserved success—and that there are no further delays.
Be sure to check out other newsElden Ring Nightreign Network Test Registrations Begin: Schedule, Requirements, and More Detailsand alsoThe First Berserker: Khazan Confirms Free Demo
