Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Everything You Need to Know About the March 2025 Release
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has long been a beloved series for fans of action, history, and immersive gameplay. With each new entry, the series expands its boundaries and explores new time periods, places, and characters. Now, the much-anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to take players to feudal Japan, a setting that fans have requested for years. However, the game’s development has been anything but smooth. After several delays and some controversy, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now slated for release on March 20, 2025. Despite its rocky journey, Ubisoft is confident that this will be the final release date. Let’s dive into everything we know about this upcoming title, from its delays to its potential impact on the Assassin’s Creed series.
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A Delayed Journey
Assassin’s Creed Shadows was originally scheduled for release in November 2024. However, Ubisoft faced multiple setbacks throughout its development. The game’s release was delayed several times, first to February 2025, and then again to March 20, 2025. Each delay raised concerns among fans, especially given Ubisoft’s recent struggles. In 2024, the company faced multiple layoffs, and Ubisoft Lemington was closed down in January. These events raised questions about whether Ubisoft could deliver the anticipated title on time.
Despite these challenges, there seems to be a sense of optimism within the studio. According to an insider report by Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming, multiple sources inside Ubisoft have expressed confidence that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will indeed make its March release date. The studio has been ramping up its marketing for the game, signaling that they are fully committed to ensuring its success.
Cultural and Historical Accuracy Concerns
One of the primary reasons for the delays was concerns about cultural and historical accuracy. The setting of feudal Japan is a significant shift for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Ubisoft wanted to ensure it was treated with the respect it deserves. Reports in 2024 claimed that Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind the game, decided to push back the game’s release to address these concerns. The goal was to create an experience that was historically accurate while still delivering the immersive gameplay the franchise is known for.
In addition to historical accuracy, bug fixes were another major reason for the delays. Ubisoft’s development team worked hard to iron out any technical issues and ensure the game ran smoothly. The delay from February 2025 to March 2025 gave the team extra time to make sure the game was polished and ready for the big release.
Ubisoft’s Confidence
Despite the multiple delays, Ubisoft is confident that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will meet its final release date of March 20, 2025. According to insider reports, developers have said that the game is “pretty much done,” and all major issues have been addressed. While it’s always possible that another delay could happen, the studio seems hopeful that this will be the last one.
Ubisoft is also preparing for a marketing push. The company has reportedly made preparations to increase its marketing efforts as the game approaches its launch. Ubisoft understands the importance of the next entry in the Assassin’s Creed series and knows that they need to generate excitement and anticipation for the game’s release. The strong pre-order numbers, despite the delays, suggest that fans are eager to experience Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Ubisoft wants to capitalize on that momentum.
Pre-Orders and Success Potential
Despite the ups and downs during the development of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has seen strong pre-order numbers for the game. While the company has not disclosed specific figures, they did mention in a quarterly earnings call that pre-orders for the game were on par with those of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, one of the most successful entries in the series.
This bodes well for the game’s success. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was released in 2018 and became one of the highest-grossing titles in the franchise. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows can match or exceed its pre-order numbers, it could be another major hit for Ubisoft. With over four weeks remaining until the game’s official launch, pre-orders are likely to continue rising as more fans commit to purchasing the game.
Controversy Over Yasuke and the Shrine Incident
As with any highly anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced its fair share of controversy. One particular issue that gained attention was a clip showing Yasuke, one of the game’s two playable protagonists, destroying a Japanese shrine. The scene quickly went viral on social media, and some fans expressed their displeasure, claiming that the act was disrespectful to Japanese culture and traditions.
However, many other fans came to Ubisoft’s defense, arguing that players have control over their actions in the game. Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not require players to destroy shrines or engage in any specific acts. Rather, players are free to choose how they interact with the world around them. This is a common feature in the Assassin’s Creed series, where the player’s choices impact the game’s progression. Since there is no forced action to destroy shrines, it remains an option available only if the player decides to engage in it.
The controversy sparked by the shrine destruction is just one example of how passionate fans can be when it comes to the portrayal of their culture in video games. However, it seems that the controversy won’t derail the excitement surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Fans are still eagerly awaiting the release, and many are excited to experience the game’s portrayal of feudal Japan.
The Promise of Feudal Japan
One of the most exciting aspects of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the game’s setting in feudal Japan. This period of history has long been requested by fans of the series, and it’s finally becoming a reality. Feudal Japan offers a unique backdrop for the series’ stealth-based gameplay, and Ubisoft has put a lot of effort into ensuring the game is as immersive as possible.
The game will feature two playable protagonists, one of whom is Yasuke, a historical figure who became the first African samurai in Japan. The inclusion of Yasuke has drawn interest due to his fascinating real-life story, and fans are eager to see how Ubisoft brings his journey to life in the game. Alongside Yasuke, the game will also feature another protagonist, though details about this character remain scarce.
Players will get to explore a vast open world, filled with beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and bustling towns. The game will incorporate traditional Japanese culture, including samurai combat, archery, and ninjutsu. Fans can expect a game that blends historical elements with the familiar Assassin’s Creed gameplay mechanics, offering both fans of the franchise and newcomers an exciting experience.
The Future of Assassin’s Creed
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches its March release, fans are eagerly anticipating what the game will bring to the franchise. Ubisoft is confident that the delays are behind them, and the game is nearly ready for launch. With strong pre-orders and excitement building for the release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows could become another major hit for Ubisoft.
Though the game has faced challenges during its development, the unique setting in feudal Japan and the inclusion of new protagonists like Yasuke offer fresh opportunities for the series. As Assassin’s Creed continues to evolve, Assassin’s Creed Shadows may set the stage for future adventures in new and exciting time periods.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to be an exciting addition to the world of video games. With its March 2025 release just around the corner, it won’t be long before players can experience the game’s historically rich world and thrilling action. Get ready for a new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga, one that will take you back in time to the world of samurais, ninjas, and ancient Japan.
