Ubisoft remains confident in the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, reporting strong preorder numbers despite setbacks. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a highly successful title in the franchise.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering confidence, stating the company is fully focused on the March 20th launch. Early previews have generated positive feedback, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive experience, and effective dual protagonist approach. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication, emphasizing Shadows as the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.
Originally slated for a November release, Shadows faced two delays, first to February 14th, and subsequently to 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 the company following recent underperforming titles and investor concerns.
The promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible statue was pulled from sale due to its insensitive design. These issues, coupled with the delays, have fueled growing fan impatience.