Assassin’s Creed Shadows Pre-Orders in Line With Series’ Second Biggest Launch, Says Ubisoft

Pre-Orders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows Looking Strong Ahead of Launch

Ubisoft has announced promising pre-order numbers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the next major entry in its hit franchise. Set to launch on March 20, 2025, the game is already generating significant anticipation, with pre-orders tracking in line with those of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, one of the franchise’s top performers.

A Much-Needed Success for Ubisoft

After a mixed year of major releases, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft is relying heavily on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to help boost its fortunes. Following a disappointing launch for Star Wars Outlaws in August, Ubisoft’s share price hit a 10-year low, putting even more pressure on the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

While Ubisoft did not disclose exact pre-order numbers, the company has been encouraged by the results so far. Pre-orders for Shadows are “tracking solidly,” meaning they’re on par with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which has sold over 10 million copies to date. With positive early previews rolling in, Ubisoft is hopeful that the upcoming title will continue the series’ strong sales trajectory.

An Ambitious Entry in the Franchise

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has described Assassin’s Creed Shadows as the most ambitious game in the series so far. The game, set in Japan, introduces a dual protagonist system, with two characters playing critical roles in the narrative. According to Guillemot, the game’s combination of narrative depth and immersive gameplay has been well-received in early reviews.

“The incredible talent and dedication of the entire Assassin’s Creed team ensures that Shadows delivers on the promise of being the franchise’s most ambitious entry yet,” Guillemot stated during Ubisoft’s third-quarter earnings call.

A Second Delay for Shadows

Originally set for release in November 2024, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has experienced multiple delays. After an initial push to February 14, 2025, the game was further delayed to March 20. Ubisoft has emphasized that the additional time is necessary to polish the game, ensuring that fans get the best experience possible.

Ubisoft’s Financial Outlook

While the company navigates these challenges, Ubisoft’s third-quarter net bookings of EUR 301.8 million were in line with expectations. Despite the setbacks, Ubisoft is making significant strides in reducing its costs. The company plans to reduce its fixed cost base by over EUR 200 million by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. This will be achieved through restructuring efforts, including the closure of four studios.

Looking Ahead to March 20

As the March 20 release date approaches, all eyes are on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to deliver a successful launch. With a strong pre-order performance, positive previews, and a highly anticipated setting, Ubisoft has a lot riding on this title. Will it be the comeback the company needs? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Are you excited for the Japan-set adventure, or do you think the delays have hurt the game’s momentum? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date!