Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Ubisoft’s Last Gasp?
Ubisoft’s recent announcement regarding the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to March 20, 2025, may just sound like a simple extension to improve the game, but no - in reality, it reeks of desperation. This delay isn't about delivering quality; it’s about stalling for time while a sinking ship tries to plug holes. Ubisoft has already been facing EXTREME financial turmoil, and Shadows is a last-ditch effort to remain relevant—one that anyone paying attention knows will not work.
...A far cry from the industry titan they once were.
DEI Propaganda ...Masquerading as a "Game"
From inception, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was a blatant vehicle for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) propaganda - rather than any kind of meaningful addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The inclusion of Yasuke, the black character who was NOT a samurai, but portrayed as one to fit the narrative, isn't a real 'organic' story choice... it was a box-ticking exercise - an exercise that put Ubisoft terrible shape.
This game began development in 2020, during the height of the George Floyd riots, and it’s clear by now to everyone that Ubisoft aimed to capitalize on the very prominent at the time Black Lives Matter movement by... producing a game steeped in the ideology of the moment. A narrative that makes absolutely zero sense when taking a step back. Injecting a black main protagonist in feudal Japan? Really, Ubisoft? Whoever was allowed to make this call should know that they bare the responsibility for finishing off a dying company.
Instead of resonating with fans and making a game in Feudal Japan steeped in lore and engaging experiences, Ubisoft felt to instead, take an approach that has completely backfired, with players and critics alike questioning Ubisoft’s priorities.
As I spoke about a few months ago, rumors were circulating that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is being reworked to significantly reduce Yasuke’s role in the overall narrative, directly due to backlash from players who felt his inclusion was more about virtue signaling than any serious authentic storytelling.
This alleged 'retooling' could be a key factor behind the delay, as altering major story elements and character integration this late in development is... no small feat. At the same time, diminishing the role of a black character in a game will undoubtably be rightfully met with opposition from the black community. Ubisoft has put themselves between a rock and a hard place here.
If this is true, it suggests Ubisoft's scrambling to salvage the game’s reception by doing whatever they can to tone down the overt DEI-driven messaging, though whether this will be enough to "win back" skeptical fans ...remains to be seen.
"Valuable Feedback From Our Community"
The statement from Marc-Alexis Coté highlights how the delay is intended to incorporate “valuable feedback from our community.” While that may sound noble on the surface, we all know corporate speak by now. It begs the question: why wasn’t this feedback sought earlier in the development cycle? Ubisoft claims they’ve made “remarkable strides” as well, but if that were the case, why is this delay necessary? None of this makes any sense. The truth is likely more troubling—the game isn’t ready... and deep down, Ubisoft knows it.
“More Ambitious and Engaging Day-One Experience”
Ubisoft’s promise of a “more ambitious and engaging day-one experience” feels hollow when placed against their track record of buggy launches and underwhelming gameplay. Could this be true? Sure... but at this point... given their history, the likelihood of Shadows delivering a polished experience by March is slim at best. Most gamers aren't concerned about bugs in this game so much as the agenda injected anyways. That being the case - this statement reads like a smokescreen for far deeper issues going on within the game’s development—issues that more than likely, will never be fully resolved.
Financial Chaos at Ubisoft
The broader context here cannot be ignored.
Ubisoft’s finances have been spiraling for years, with their stock down over 80% and numerous projects delayed, canceled, or outright failing in the marketplace. Shadows isn't just another "game"; it’s a last-ditch effort to prove the company can still produce something of value. Ironically they may have saved their worst for last. Instead of focusing on delivering a quality gameplay experience, Ubisoft has chosen to double down on ideological messaging, alienating a ton of people in their core audience in the process.
A Propaganda Piece, Not a Game
Ubisoft’s decision to begin development on Shadows during a period of heightened social unrest in 2020 reveals their true intentions deep down. This was never about crafting a compelling story or refining gameplay mechanics. It was ALWAYS about capitalizing on a cultural moment to push an agenda. But as we in the gaming community have repeatedly shown, players don’t want to be lectured—we want to be entertained. By prioritizing messaging over mechanics, Ubisoft has set themselves up for failure from jump street.
What Happens Next?
The delay to March 2025 might buy Ubisoft some time, but it won’t fix any of the underlying issues plaguing Assassin’s Creed Shadows. If this game fails—as I obviously suspect it will—it could mark the end of Ubisoft as we know it.
A company that once defined gaming excellence years ago (I was there, Gandalf) has devolved into a shadow (sorry I had to) of its former self, consumed by a need to chase trends and push ideologies rather than create memorable experiences.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows might be Ubisoft’s last gasp for air, but it’s unlikely to be breathe the lifeline they so desperately need it to. As the March 20th 2025 release date looms, one thing's clear: this isn't just a test for the game—it’s a test for Ubisoft’s survival.
And the odds for that test to be passed... don’t look good.
~Smash
