Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Pivotal Moment for Ubisoft’s Flagship Franchise
The year 2024 held a certain symbolic significance for Assassin’s Creed, a franchise that has consistently captivated gamers with its blend of historical settings, stealth gameplay, and intricate narratives. Had things unfolded according to the initial plan, November of that year would have marked the 15th and 10th anniversaries of Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed Unity, respectively – two entries widely regarded as cornerstones of the series. Moreover, November 15, 2024, was the originally intended launch date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated installment set in feudal Japan.
However, the path to releasing Shadows has been fraught with challenges, leading to multiple delays and ultimately pushing its release date to March 20, 2025. This delay adds considerable pressure to the project, positioning it as a crucial release for Ubisoft, especially considering the ongoing speculation about a potential acquisition by Tencent. Adding to the pressure, a pre-release leak prompted Ubisoft to issue warnings to fans, urging them to avoid spoilers and preserve the intended experience.
Beyond the internal and external pressures, Shadows finds itself entangled in a cultural debate, primarily stemming from the inclusion of Yasuke, a real-life African samurai, as one of the game’s dual protagonists. While Japanese media has historically embraced the inclusion of diverse figures in its narratives, Yasuke’s role in Shadows has ignited a discourse that goes beyond simple historical accuracy, showcasing the complexities of representation in a global entertainment landscape.
It’s easy to forget the humble beginnings of Assassin’s Creed, which started as a game that caught the imagination of players with its intriguing premise and hints of deeper secrets. In the landscape of the PS3/360 era, it emerged alongside other successful franchises like Uncharted and Borderlands, relying on compelling concepts and solid execution to overcome initial shortcomings. Assassin’s Creed II, with its shift to Renaissance Italy and the introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, injected fresh energy into the series. Ezio’s transformation from a carefree youth to a hardened assassin seeking vengeance resonated with players, and bold creative choices, such as beginning the game with his birth and teasing connections to Adam and Eve, further solidified its identity.
Ezio’s story continued in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010) and Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011), marking the beginning of the series’ transition to an annual release cycle. The Ezio trilogy remains a benchmark for the franchise, as he remains the only assassin to have an entire sub-series dedicated to his character. His presence extended beyond his own games, with appearances in Soul Calibur V and as a mentor to Shao Jun in Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China. Jesper Kyd’s iconic musical theme for Ezio has also become a recurring element, adapted and reinterpreted in later installments, further solidifying his legacy.
Ubisoft consistently introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as multiplayer, naval battles, and the extended opening sequence of Assassin’s Creed III, but the foundation of the Ezio saga helped the franchise endure. Despite growing pains, the goodwill generated by the Ezio trilogy and the consistent delivery of historical settings maintained player interest.
However, goodwill can only last so long. Unity, the series’ debut on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, marked a turning point. Despite its promise of four-player cooperative gameplay and its French Revolution setting, the game launched with significant technical issues. Though later patches improved performance and sales remained decent, the damage was done. Ubisoft reevaluated its approach, abandoning the annual release schedule and opting for a "when it’s ready" model.
Following Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Ubisoft skipped 2016 and reinvigorated the series with Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017. This installment introduced significant changes, transforming the game into an action RPG with gear progression and skill trees. With the exception of 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the RPG-focused direction continued in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla, incorporating elements like dialogue choices, romance options, and the ability to play as either a male or female character.
Shadows retains these elements, featuring two playable protagonists: Naoe Fujibayashi, a young shinobi, and Yasuke, the historical African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. Although the series has always incorporated historical fiction, often taking liberties with the source material, the integration of Yasuke as a major playable character alongside a fictional counterpart represents a distinct shift. Unlike previous games, where the choice between male and female characters primarily affected appearance and dialogue, Shadows seems to be emphasizing the dynamic between Naoe and Yasuke, highlighting their collaborative roles through trailers and promotional materials.
During a BAFTA talk in November 2024, series executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté referred to Shadows as the beginning of Assassin’s Creed’s "third period." He described the initial phase as driven by the realization of a successful IP with a dedicated fan base, followed by a second phase characterized by overreach and a subsequent adjustment and refinement. According to Côté, the primary focus of this third era is to once again emphasize history as a central element of the experience, shifting away from the emphasis on modern-day stories. The series’ incorporation of historical elements and its intricate lore has been a source of both charm and critique, leading to discussions about race, class, and gender. The inclusion of Yasuke likely stems from this renewed focus on historical themes, and the reception to his character will undoubtedly influence future decisions regarding the integration of real-world figures in Assassin’s Creed games.
Assassin’s Creed has consistently performed well commercially, and Ubisoft relies on the long-term sales of these games to sustain them through financial quarters. The series is unlikely to disappear if Shadows fails to become an instant bestseller, and the example of Unity demonstrates its ability to overcome challenges. However, the landscape has changed significantly since 2014, and the time it takes for a game to recover from setbacks has become shorter. Ubisoft itself is in need of improvements to its internal culture and working environment. The weight of addressing these challenges should not rest solely on the shoulders of a single game, especially one centered around assassinations and acrobatic feats.
