Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows despite setbacks. The publisher's latest financial report reveals preorders are on par with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second best-selling title.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering confidence, stating the company is fully committed to the game's March 20th launch. Early previews have been generally positive, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive experience, and effective dual protagonist gameplay. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication in delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
Originally slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows faced two delays, landing finally on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, marking a long-awaited Japan-setting, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial release for the company following recent underperforming titles and investor concerns.
The promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible statue was pulled from sale due to its "insensitive" design. These controversies, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.