Ubisoft’s next major release has hit another snag. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which fans have eagerly awaited, is now set to debut on March 20, 2025. This isn’t the first time the game’s been pushed back. Initially, it was supposed to hit the shelves in November 2024, but it was first delayed to February 2025. This deferment was to ensure the developers had enough time to refine the game further.
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s CEO, revealed that the decision for this additional delay stems from a desire to create the “most ambitious opus in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.” He expressed that the extra month of development is crucial for integrating feedback collected over the last few months. The goal is to harness the game’s full potential and end the year on a robust note.
### Ubisoft’s Ongoing Financial Challenges
Ubisoft is facing a tough financial period, as pointed out by the disappointing performance of titles like Star Wars Outlaws. Just before year-end, the company disclosed plans to end support for the free-to-play shooter XDefiant by June 2025. This decision has affected its studios in San Francisco, Sydney, and Osaka, leading to the layoff of approximately 277 employees.
In light of these challenges, Ubisoft’s leadership is contemplating a sale. Guillemot mentioned that they have hired advisors to explore strategic and financial options that could unlock their assets’ true value.
There’s been talk about the potential for a buyout involving Ubisoft’s founding Guillemot family and Tencent, a massive Chinese corporation. Such a deal might even see the gaming giant going private.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
For those eager to dive into the new Assassin’s Creed experience, mark your calendars. Shadows will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Mac, and Amazon Luna when it launches.
