Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite its challenging development and marketing journey. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are on par with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a top performer in the franchise.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot reinforces this optimism, stating the company is fully committed to the March 20th launch. Early previews have been encouraging, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effective use of dual protagonists. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
Initially slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows faced two delays, ultimately landing on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, representing the long-awaited Japan setting, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial release for a company facing recent setbacks and investor concerns.
The game's promotional phase has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical group's flag. Further, a collectible statue was pulled from sale due to its insensitive design. These issues, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.