Ubisoft Delays Assassin’s Creed Shadows to February 2025, Citing Need for Additional Polish
In an unexpected move, Ubisoft has announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will no longer launch on its originally scheduled date of November 15, 2024. Instead, the game is now set to release on February 14, 2025.
“While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is feature complete, the learnings from the Star Wars Outlaws release led us to provide additional time to further polish the title,” Ubisoft said. The company emphasized that the delay will ensure the game meets its high ambitions, particularly focusing on the game’s dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, who offer distinct gameplay styles.
Star Wars Outlaws, which launched on August 30, received solid reviews but fell short of sales expectations. Ubisoft acknowledged the game’s “softer than expected” initial sales in their statement. This may have influenced the company’s decision to allow Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be released on Steam from day one, signaling a shift away from its previous Epic Games Store exclusivity strategy.
In another shift, Ubisoft has scrapped the traditional season pass model. Players who preorder Assassin’s Creed Shadows will now receive the first expansion for free, and all existing preorders have been canceled to accommodate this change.
Ubisoft also addressed fan disappointment over the delay in a message on X, explaining that they believe the extra development time is crucial for delivering the best player experience. The news comes after the studio unexpectedly canceled its planned appearance at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, adding to the surprise surrounding the announcement.
Ubisoft’s decision to delay one of its most anticipated releases reflects its desire to avoid the pitfalls that affected Star Wars Outlaws, ensuring that Assassin’s Creed Shadows lives up to its full potential when it launches in 2025.
