Assassin's Creed Shadows Preorders Exceed Expectations

Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite its challenging development and marketing journey. Their recent financial report indicates preorders are on par with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a top performer in the franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering confidence, emphasizing the company's complete focus on the game's March 20th launch. Initial previews have been favorable, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive experience, and the effective dual protagonist approach. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication, calling Shadows the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

Originally slated for a November release, Shadows faced two delays, first to February 14th, and then to its current March 20th launch date. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, representing a long-awaited Japan-set adventure, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial release for a company facing recent setbacks and investor concerns.

The game's marketing campaign has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible statue by PureArts was pulled from sale due to its insensitive design. These issues, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.