Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows faces high stakes

Ubisoft is under pressure as it faces challenges with its latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The company has struggled recently with several high-profile game failures that have affected its reputation. Once known for successful franchises, many gamers now feel that Ubisoft's games are poorly finished. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been controversial for years. Initially planned for a November 2024 release, the game was delayed several times, finally launching on March 20, 2025. This game, set in feudal Japan, has sparked debates particularly around its historical accuracy and the role of Yasuke, a black samurai. While Yasuke was a real historical figure, the game’s portrayal of him and other aspects of feudal Japan has led to criticism, some of which is rooted in racism. Ubisoft's recent games, including Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones, have not performed well, causing significant financial losses. With Assassin’s Creed being the company’s strongest franchise, the success of Shadows is crucial. An anonymous developer has expressed the urgency of the situation, stating that if the game only performs moderately, it could spell trouble for the company. Despite the controversies, Assassin’s Creed remains a profitable franchise, with past games generating hundreds of millions in revenue. However, the pressure is on Shadows to sell well and help revive Ubisoft's reputation. Fans are left wondering if the game can live up to expectations amid the significant stakes.