Ubisoft remains confident about the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, reporting strong preorder numbers despite recent setbacks. The publisher's latest financial report indicates that preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a highly successful title in the franchise.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering confidence, stating that the company is fully focused on the March 20th launch. He highlighted positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist approach. Guillemot commended the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
The game's release has faced multiple delays, originally slated for November, then February 14th, and finally settling on March 20th. The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, following recent underperforming titles and investor concerns. It marks the long-awaited Japan-set entry and the first full Assassin's Creed game since 2020.
The promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for inaccuracies in the game's 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 issues, coupled with the delays, have understandably led to growing fan impatience.