ENTERTAINMENT
Shadows Rising: The Stealthy Comeback of Assassin's Creed
Sun Mar 23 2025
The gaming world is buzzing with the swift success of Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game has already drawn in two million players, a number that outshines the initial launch of Origins and Odyssey. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the financial setbacks Ubisoft has faced recently. Games like Skull and Bones, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Star Wars Outlaws have not met expectations. This success is crucial for Ubisoft, as it may influence the future of the company's major franchises.
The Guillemot brothers, who hold a significant stake in Ubisoft, are reportedly looking for investors to create a new entity. This entity would manage Ubisoft's biggest franchises, starting with Assassin's Creed. A strong debut for Shadows could play a big role in this plan. However, it's still early to predict the game's long-term success. The distribution of players across different platforms will be a key factor to watch.
Assassin's Creed Shadows marks Ubisoft's return to big day-one releases on Valve's Steam. The concurrent player peak on PC is relatively low at 60K, but this figure might not tell the whole story. PC gamers have been accustomed to buying Ubisoft titles through Ubisoft Connect or the Epic Games Store. The PC platform could still make up a significant portion of the two million user base.
The game has received positive reviews. One reviewer gave it an 8. 7, praising Ubisoft Quebec's efforts and the decision to delay the game's release. Shadows is noted for bringing back stealth-oriented gameplay while keeping the RPG mechanics and refined combat from previous entries. The dual protagonist setup and well-paced story are also highlights. However, the game is criticized for having too much content and gameplay systems. The rendition of Feudal Japan is praised as one of the best ever seen in a video game.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a strong entry in the series. It successfully blends stealth, RPG elements, and refined combat. The game's setting in Feudal Japan is a major draw, offering an immersive experience. While the game has a lot to offer, it might be overwhelming for some players due to its extensive content and systems. Overall, Shadows is a worthwhile experience for most players.
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questions
How might the delay of the game have influenced its reception and initial sales performance?
What factors contributed to the strong debut of Assassin's Creed Shadows, and how might these impact its long-term success?
What metrics beyond initial sales and player numbers should be considered to evaluate the long-term success of Assassin's Creed Shadows?