Ubisoft Postpones Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ubisoft postponed the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, until it had the advanced technology needed to bring its full vision to life. The concept of bringing the iconic franchise to Japan had been considered for years, but the project was put on hold until both the technical framework and narrative could meet Ubisoft's demanding quality requirements.

In a recent interview, Creative Director Jonathan Dumont clarified that Ubisoft deliberately avoided launching the project too early, focusing instead on achieving the right fusion of technology and storytelling to create an experience that honors the franchise's legacy.

This careful strategy highlights the importance of Shadows for the company, particularly after recent challenges with releases such as Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Given these hurdles, Ubisoft could not risk another setback, which led to repeated delays for Shadows. Part of these extended timelines involved refining movement systems and enhancing overall game polish.

Although fans have eagerly awaited a Japanese-set Assassin's Creed game, the reception to Shadows has been divided. Some are concerned it might feel overly familiar, drawing comparisons to earlier titles like Odyssey or Valhalla. The introduction of dual protagonists—Naoe and Yasuke—has also raised questions about how player decisions will shape the narrative.

Ubisoft has reassured players that the entire game can be completed with either character, allowing a full 100% playthrough as both Naoe and Yasuke. Still, the extent of differentiation and depth between their individual storylines remains under scrutiny. With the launch date approaching, the development team must tackle these fan expectations while aiming to introduce a compelling and original installment in the acclaimed series.

Assassin's Creed Shadows stands as a crucial release for Ubisoft, intended to rebuild faith in the franchise and reinforce the studio's dedication to innovation and excellence.