Ubisoft Insists Assassin's Creed Shadows Preorders are 'Tracking Solidly,' In Line With Odyssey

Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite a challenging development and marketing cycle. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a highly successful title in the franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering optimism, stating the company is fully committed to the game's March 20th launch. Initial previews have been generally favorable, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effective use of dual protagonists. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication in creating what he calls the franchise's most ambitious installment.

Originally slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows faced two delays, landing finally on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, marking a long-awaited Japan-set adventure and the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020. Its success is crucial for the publisher, given recent underperforming titles and investor concerns.

The marketing campaign hasn't been without its setbacks. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and for unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further controversy arose when PureArts pulled an "insensitive" Assassin's Creed Shadows statue from sale. These incidents, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.