The Ubisoft is facing a crucial moment in its trajectory with the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on November 15, 2024. Following several commercial and critical disappointments with titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Skull and Bones, Star Wars Outlaws, and XDefiant, the French company is under immense pressure for their new game in the popular Assassin’s Creed series to succeed.
High Expectations for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the first major launch in the series since Valhalla in 2020, a game that achieved strong sales and reviews, becoming a significant milestone for Ubisoft. Consequently, expectations for Shadows are exceptionally high, especially as Ubisoft’s stocks have plummeted to a decade-low, prompting investors to question the company’s management and suggest a restructuring.
Controversy Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows
In addition to financial challenges, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is embroiled in controversy, notably surrounding the choice of protagonist Yasuke, a black samurai from feudal Japan. Some fans, particularly in Japan, have expressed dissatisfaction with Ubisoft’s decision, leading to an official response from the company in July 2024. While reiterating its commitment to historical accuracy, Ubisoft defended the inclusion of Yasuke as an opportunity to delve into lesser-known narratives.
Looking Forward to the Future
Despite the controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to deliver a fresh gaming experience with cutting-edge graphics and a captivating storyline, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The success or failure of Assassin’s Creed Shadows could significantly impact Ubisoft’s future during this critical juncture. Additionally, the game will set the stage for the next installment in the franchise, currently referred to as “Codename: Hexe.” The outcome of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will shape the future of Ubisoft at a pivotal moment in its recent history.
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