Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Delays, Controversies, and Launch

A Bumpy Road to Release

Assassin’s Creed Shadows was initially scheduled for a late 2024 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and other platforms. However, in September 2024, Ubisoft announced a delay to February 2025 to enhance core gameplay, improve graphics, and refine mechanics.

By January 2025, the release was further postponed to March 20, 2025, as the team integrated additional player feedback to ensure a robust Day‑1 experience.

Pre‑orders and Business Changes

The delays prompted several changes:

• The initially planned Season Pass and early-access period were cancelled. Players who pre-ordered received refunds or adjustments.

• Future pre-order editions included the first expansion at no extra cost.

• The Collector’s Edition price was reduced to reflect the removal of early access, though physical bonuses such as statues and art remained.

Controversies and Community Reactions

The game generated discussion even before its release:

• Gameplay leaks emerged, displaying unpolished visuals and rough mechanics. Ubisoft clarified that these clips did not represent the final product.

• Representation debate: The inclusion of Yasuke, the historical Black samurai, as a protagonist led to criticism, particularly in Japan, with accusations of misrepresenting historical context.

• Fans raised concerns about graphical inconsistencies and bugs in previews, contributing to Ubisoft’s decision to delay the release further.

Launch and Reception

Upon its release on March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows featured:

• A dual-protagonist narrative that blended historical events with fictional elements.

• Enhanced graphics and refined combat systems.

• Plans for DLC and post-launch content, including expansions and seasonal events, designed to maintain player engagement.

Editorial Take: Why Shadows Matters

Despite the delays and controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents an ambitious effort to broaden the franchise’s storytelling. By incorporating Yasuke and exploring diverse cultural narratives, Ubisoft challenged boundaries while balancing historical fiction with gameplay.

Though the delays were frustrating, they allowed the developers to refine the game to meet fan expectations. Shadows exemplifies how modern AAA games must navigate both technical excellence and sensitive cultural representation.