Ubisoft has announced another delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated RPG set in feudal Japan. The game, initially scheduled for release this February, will now launch on March 20, 2025. This marks the second delay for the title, which was first moved from a winter 2024 release. Ubisoft says the decision allows the development team to “fully deliver on its potential” while addressing feedback from players.
The delay follows Ubisoft’s internal “strategic and execution reviews,” which aim to address the company’s recent struggles with underperforming games. For Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents a critical release. The publisher has faced significant setbacks with other high-profile titles such as Skull and Bones, which failed to make a lasting impact, and Star Wars Outlaws, which fell short of sales expectations. Meanwhile, its FPS project XDefiant is being retired entirely, with a complete shutdown scheduled for June.
Ubisoft is clearly banking on Shadows to succeed, especially given its ambitious premise and its position as the first Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan. The title has the potential to reinvigorate the series by combining the franchise’s hallmark stealth mechanics with a richly immersive new setting. However, the growing sense of urgency surrounding Ubisoft’s lineup has placed added pressure on the game’s development team.
Another factor complicating Shadows’ launch is the crowded early 2025 gaming calendar. February has become especially competitive, with major titles like Civilization 7, Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed all set to debut within weeks of each other. While Ubisoft hasn’t officially cited the packed schedule as a reason for the delay, many observers believe it played a role in the decision to move the release to March.
In its announcement, Ubisoft emphasized that the delay is meant to ensure the game meets player expectations. The company stated that the additional development time will allow the team to better integrate feedback gathered over the past three months. Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s CEO, expressed confidence in the decision, describing the new timeline as an opportunity to make Shadows “the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed opus of the franchise.” He also noted that delivering a polished experience will help Ubisoft close its financial year on a strong note.
Fans of the series are eager to see if Assassin’s Creed Shadows can deliver on its promise. For many, the game represents a long-awaited opportunity to explore feudal Japan through the lens of the franchise’s signature storytelling and gameplay. However, delays and Ubisoft’s shaky recent track record have left some players skeptical. With anticipation tempered by caution, the company will need to deliver a truly exceptional experience to win back its audience.
While waiting an extra month may be frustrating for fans, many will likely appreciate Ubisoft’s focus on quality over rushing to meet an earlier release date. The stakes are high, and the success of Shadows could determine whether Ubisoft can restore its reputation and reignite enthusiasm for the Assassin’s Creed series. March 20 will reveal whether the additional time was worth the wait.
