Ubisoft Insists Assassin's Creed Shadows Preorders are 'Tracking Solidly,' In Line With Odyssey

Ubisoft maintains strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows despite setbacks. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a top performer in the franchise.

CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, highlighting the March 20th launch date and emphasizing the team's dedication. Early previews have been generally positive, praising the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist approach. Guillemot lauded the team's efforts in creating what he calls the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

The game's release has faced multiple delays, originally slated for November, then February 14th, and finally settling on March 20th. High expectations surround Assassin's Creed Shadows; it's the first mainline entry since 2020 and the long-awaited Japan-set adventure, crucial for Ubisoft's performance after recent underperforming titles and investor concerns.

The promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible statue was pulled from sale by PureArts due to its "insensitive" design. These issues, coupled with the delays, have fueled fan impatience.