Ubisoft has announced a second delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated installment in its iconic action-stealth franchise. Originally slated for release on November 15, 2024, and then rescheduled for February 14, 2025, the game’s new release date is now set for March 20, 2025. According to Ubisoft, the additional delay will allow the development team more time to incorporate community feedback and polish the game for launch.
Why the Delay?
In an official statement, Marc-Alexis Coté, the lead developer of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, explained that the extra time is needed to implement feedback received from recent gameplay showcases focusing on the game’s systems, such as combat and parkour.
“While we’ve already made notable progress, we believe a few more weeks are needed to implement feedback and ensure an even more ambitious and engaging experience from day one,” Coté said.
However, industry insider Jason Schreier has shared an alternate explanation. According to Schreier, the delay may be linked to Ubisoft’s ongoing discussions with Tencent, which is reportedly eyeing a possible acquisition of the French gaming giant. This claim has not been officially addressed by Ubisoft, which maintains the delay is solely to enhance the game.
Ubisoft Announces Restructuring Amid Speculation of Acquisition
In conjunction with the delay announcement, Ubisoft revealed a significant corporate restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency and exploring strategic opportunities. According to a press release, the company has hired advisors to evaluate “various strategic and capital options,” hinting at potential partnerships or transactions.
While the statement did not name Tencent, it acknowledged the exploration of “several paths forward.” This restructuring comes as the company seeks to position itself for future growth and bolster its flagship franchises like Assassin’s Creed.
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s co-founder and CEO, commented:
“We have made progress on the strategic and execution reviews initiated a few months ago and we are confident that this will position Ubisoft for a stronger future. We have taken decisive steps to reorganize the group to deliver world-class gaming experiences, improve operational efficiency, and maximize value creation.”
He added, “We are fully committed to our teams’ efforts to create the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed franchise yet, and have decided to provide an additional month of development to Shadows to better incorporate player feedback and close out the year strong.”
Looking Ahead for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series, featuring two protagonists—Naoe, a stealthy shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a samurai specializing in combat—and a richly detailed setting in feudal Japan. With Ubisoft working to enhance the game based on player feedback, fans can expect polished gameplay and refined systems when it eventually launches.
While the delay may disappoint eager players, it reflects Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience. The new release date of March 20, 2025, offers Ubisoft more time to finalize the game while navigating internal changes and external pressures.
Stay tuned for further updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Ubisoft’s corporate developments.