Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite a challenging development and marketing cycle. Their recent financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second-best seller.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering confidence, emphasizing the company's complete focus on the March 20th launch. Initial previews have been favorable, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effective use of dual protagonists. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication, calling Shadows the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.
The game's release has faced setbacks, initially slated for November, then delayed to February 14th, and finally to March 20th. High expectations surround Shadows; it's the long-awaited Japan-set title and the first mainline Assassin's Creed game since 2020. Its success is crucial for Ubisoft, which has recently faced criticism and financial challenges.
The marketing campaign hasn't been without controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in the game's portrayal of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible statue by PureArts was withdrawn due to its insensitive design. These issues, coupled with the delays, have led to growing fan impatience.