Assassin’s Creed Delays Release, Focuses on Steam Launch

Industry Turmoil

The games industry is facing turmoil as more developers are laying off employees every week. Even big companies like Microsoft have not been spared, with over 2.5k employees laid off in the past year. Many companies, including major publishers like Ubisoft, are making changes to their game development processes to stay on track.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed

Ubisoft has announced that the release of its next major game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has been delayed until February 2025. The company aims to polish and refine the game for a simultaneous launch on Steam. The decision was influenced by the learnings from the moderately successful Star Wars Outlaws, which failed to meet Ubisoft's expectations.

Steam Launch Strategy

Ubisoft's move to launch Shadows on Steam, alongside the delay announcement of Star Wars Outlaws, is a strategic shift. The company acknowledges that launching games on popular platforms like Steam can lead to higher sales, as some players are hesitant to download additional clients like Ubisoft Connect.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage to Follow

In addition to Shadows, Ubisoft has revealed that the upcoming game in the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, will also be launched on Steam. The exact release date for Mirage on Steam has not been announced, but it is expected to be later this month.

Future of Ubisoft’s Strategy

With the holiday season approaching and the competitive gaming market in full swing, Ubisoft's new strategy of focusing on Steam releases will be put to the test. Time will tell if this shift will help boost game sales and secure a place for Ubisoft titles in end-of-year award shows.

If you're interested in upcoming games, be sure to check out our Metaphor: ReFantazio review for more insights.