Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite setbacks. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a franchise high-water mark.
CEO Yves Guillemot reinforces this optimism, emphasizing the company's dedication to the March 20th launch. Early previews have been generally favorable, highlighting the narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effectiveness of the dual protagonist system. Guillemot praised the development team's commitment to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
Originally slated for November, then February 14th, the game's release was ultimately delayed to March 20th. This highly anticipated Japan-set title, the first mainline Assassin's Creed game since 2020, carries significant weight for Ubisoft, which has faced recent financial challenges and investor concerns.
The game's promotional period 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 incidents, coupled with the delays, have tested the patience of fans.