bbc.com
Ubisoft Delays Assassin's Creed Shadows to March 2025
Ubisoft delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially set for November 2024 release, to March 20, 2025, due to the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws and to incorporate player feedback, aiming for a smoother launch for this important title in their flagship franchise.
- How did the performance of other Ubisoft games in 2024 influence the decision to delay Assassin's Creed Shadows?
- The delay reflects Ubisoft's broader challenges in 2024, including underperforming titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Skull & Bones, leading to cost-cutting measures and studio closures. The decision to delay Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite its strong appeal, highlights the company's prioritization of quality over meeting initial release targets. The game's setting in 16th-century Japan, a long-requested theme by fans, may still drive significant sales.
- What is the significance of Ubisoft delaying Assassin's Creed Shadows, and what are the immediate implications for the company?
- Ubisoft delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially slated for November 2024, to March 20, 2025. This follows the disappointing performance of Star Wars Outlaws, which prompted the initial delay. The extra time aims to address player feedback and ensure a smoother launch, crucial for Ubisoft's flagship franchise.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Ubisoft's strategic changes, including the delay and cost-cutting measures, for the future of the Assassin's Creed franchise?
- The delay underscores the high stakes for Ubisoft. While Assassin's Creed Shadows holds strong appeal and potential for high sales, the delay and the company's broader financial struggles suggest a shift in strategy toward quality assurance and potentially reduced risk-taking. The success of this title is crucial for the company's recovery and future trajectory.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the delay negatively, emphasizing financial setbacks and investor concerns. While reporting the delay factually, the choice to lead with financial aspects and quotes from investors rather than a more detailed game preview biases the reader towards a perception of failure rather than a calculated strategic move to optimize game quality and launch timing. The headline itself could be seen as subtly negative.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although terms like "softer than expected" (referring to sales) and "tough" (referring to Ubisoft's 2024 performance) carry slightly negative connotations. These could be replaced with more neutral alternatives like "below projections" and "challenging.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the delays and Ubisoft's financial performance, but omits discussion of the game's specific features or gameplay beyond mentioning the Japan setting. It also doesn't delve into potential impacts of the delay on competitors or the wider gaming market. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, omitting detailed game information limits informed assessment of the delay's impact beyond financial aspects.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by implying the delay is solely due to needing to fix bugs and incorporate feedback. Other contributing factors, such as internal restructuring or strategic market positioning, are not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows and underperformance of other Ubisoft titles in 2024 negatively impacts Ubisoft's economic growth and the employment of its 13,000 employees. The article mentions cost reductions and studio closures, indicating economic hardship and potential job losses. The missed pre-Christmas sales period further exacerbates the negative economic impact.