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. Their recent financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a top performer in the franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering optimism, stating the company is fully committed to the game's March 20th launch. Early previews have garnered positive feedback, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effective use of dual protagonists. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication, emphasizing Shadows as the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

Originally slated for a November release, Shadows faced two delays, ultimately landing on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, marking a long-awaited Japan-setting, the first mainline Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial release for a publisher facing recent setbacks and investor concerns.

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