Ubisoft: Assassin's Creed Shadows Preorders 'Solid,' Match Odyssey

Ubisoft has reported strong preorder numbers for its highly anticipated open-world adventure, Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite facing a challenging development and promotional period. According to the company's latest financial report, preorders for the game are performing well, aligning closely with the figures seen for Assassin's Creed Odyssey, which stands as the second most successful installment in the franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in the upcoming release, stating that the company is "fully focused on the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows scheduled for March 20." Early previews have been encouraging, with critics lauding the game's narrative depth and immersive experience. The dual protagonist approach has been highlighted for its quality and the complementary nature of the gameplay it provides. Guillemot praised the dedication of the Assassin's Creed team, acknowledging their hard work in bringing to life what he describes as the franchise's most ambitious project to date.

Originally slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows saw its launch date pushed back first to February 14, and then again to the current date of March 20. The game carries significant expectations, not only as the eagerly awaited Japan-set entry and the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020 but also as a critical release for Ubisoft, which is looking to rebound from recent commercial disappointments and investor concerns.

However, the promotional period for Assassin's Creed Shadows has been marred by several controversies. The development team issued apologies for inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and for using a historical recreation group's flag without permission. Additionally, collectible figure maker PureArts had to withdraw an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue from sale due to its "insensitive" design. These issues, combined with the multiple delays, have led to growing impatience among fans.