Ubisoft’s ambitious roadmap for its “Assassin’s Creed” franchise is encountering significant delays, with key projects like “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” pushed back to 2025. Internal challenges, including technical bugs and developmental setbacks, have emerged as major hurdles for the game studio. Developers cited issues with fine-tuning gameplay mechanics and addressing feedback from internal playtests. While Ubisoft Quebec remains committed to a February 2025 release for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” the company has struggled with a series of delays, leaving fans and investors awaiting further updates on upcoming releases.
Marc-Alexis Côté, the executive producer, confirmed in an internal email that while pre-order numbers for “Shadows” remain solid, they haven’t met the high benchmarks set by earlier releases like “Valhalla.” Despite this, optimism remains, especially with the introduction of the game on Steam, which is expected to boost sales. However, sources indicate that some of Ubisoft’s developers have been pushing for these delays due to the tight production schedule and the impact it has had on game quality.
The delays are not isolated to “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” alone. Ubisoft’s entire “Assassin’s Creed” slate appears to be in a state of flux. Sources close to the project suggest that the company’s strict timelines and production pressures have created tensions internally, leading to wider concerns about meeting future deadlines. Developers have long expressed frustration about their concerns not being taken seriously, despite acknowledging the risks associated with a rushed product. These concerns are not uncommon in the gaming industry, especially for large, complex projects like “Assassin’s Creed.”
What makes this situation even more challenging is Ubisoft’s corporate approach to dealing with these delays. Multiple studios involved in the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise are affected, with broader organizational issues contributing to the production delays. Some insiders speculate that unless Ubisoft significantly changes its development strategy, the delays might continue to affect future releases as well.
Beyond the development team, the delays have financial implications. Ubisoft’s stock has seen fluctuations amid reports of a buyout by Tencent, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future. Fans and investors alike are growing concerned about how these delays might influence the company’s long-term strategy, with some critics speculating that these delays could indicate deeper structural problems within the organization.
Despite these setbacks, “Assassin’s Creed” remains one of Ubisoft’s most profitable franchises. The continued popularity of the series ensures that future releases like “Shadows” are highly anticipated. However, Ubisoft will need to balance the demands of its fanbase with the operational realities of game development to avoid further setbacks.
Insiders suggest that while the February 2025 release date for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is feasible, it remains subject to change if the issues persist. As it stands, Ubisoft’s management is evaluating ways to mitigate risks and ensure smoother production pipelines for the upcoming projects. How Ubisoft handles these delays will be crucial to the franchise’s future, especially as it competes with other major gaming franchises.
