Assassin's Creed Shadows Delayed to 2025
Ubisoft has announced that the highly anticipated game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, will no longer be released in November 2024 as initially planned. Instead, the game is now scheduled to launch on February 14, 2025.
Reasons for the Delay
The decision to delay the game was influenced by the recent reception of Star Wars Outlaws, which had a softer launch than expected. Ubisoft aims to use the additional time to refine and polish Assassin's Creed Shadows, ensuring it meets the full ambitions of the franchise. The game's developers want to deliver a superior experience, particularly with its dual protagonist feature, where players can control Naoe and Yasuke, each offering unique gameplay styles.
Changes in Strategy
Unlike previous Ubisoft titles, Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on Steam from its release date. This marks a shift in Ubisoft's distribution strategy, as they have typically delayed their games' availability on Steam.
Another significant change is the approach to the game's season pass. Instead of a traditional season pass, the first narrative expansion for Assassin's Creed Shadows will be offered free to all pre-order customers.
Future Expectations
The delay allows the developers to address any issues and improve the overall quality of the game. This move is part of Ubisoft's effort to learn from the feedback received for Star Wars Outlaws and to engage a broader audience. With this extra time, the team is working diligently to enhance the game and ensure it lives up to the franchise's standards.
In summary, Assassin's Creed Shadows has been delayed to February 14, 2025, to allow for further polishing and to incorporate lessons learned from the launch of Star Wars Outlaws. The game will be available on Steam at launch, and the first narrative expansion will be free for pre-order customers.