Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed as Ubisoft Responds to Development Challenges
It seems that Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows has encountered some significant development hurdles, leading to a highly anticipated delay. According to a report by industry insider Tom Henderson, developers at Ubisoft Quebec have been requesting a postponement for months, and it was only after the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws that Ubisoft finally relented. This delay shifts the game’s release from November 15 to early 2025, offering the team more time to polish the game and address various concerns.
The game, which has been in development since 2018, is now receiving extra attention for both technical aspects and historical accuracy. Henderson’s report indicates that part of the delay is dedicated to revising Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ portrayal of historical elements, especially concerning Yasuke, the African samurai in Japan. These changes come after feedback from the Japanese community, which raised issues about cultural and historical representation. Along with these narrative adjustments, Ubisoft is also refining some of the game’s mechanics.
Interestingly, this delay comes amidst Ubisoft’s broader challenges in the marketplace, as pre-orders for Shadows have not yet reached the heights of the previous title, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Despite solid numbers, the cross-generation availability of Valhalla gave it a wider audience, which Shadows may not immediately benefit from.
With Ubisoft’s recent internal probe aimed at addressing the company’s broader development struggles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows now stands as a critical test for the future of its flagship series. Fans can expect a more polished product, but it remains to be seen whether this delay will be enough to deliver the exceptional experience the series is known for.
