Summary
Pre-orders for the upcoming open-world samurai game,Assassin’s Creed Shadows,are allegedly very strong so far, according to some recent claims made by a reputable insider. Despite being months away from release, the reports thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis already selling so well goes to show the enduring popularity of theACfranchise, and why Ubisoft continues to invest heavily in the series.
Initially announced in September 2022 under the temporary titleAssassin’s Creed: Codename Red,Assassin’s Creed Shadowswas formally revealedearlier this week with a flashy CGI trailer and a handful of developer interviews. The game, which takes place in 16th century Japan, places players in the shoes of two brand-new protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. The former is a female ninja who’s skilled at stealth attacks, while the latter is a black samurai that primarily employs offensive tactics. Although Ubisoft has yet to unveil any gameplay for the title, what the company has shared so far about the upcoming game has been met with fairly positive reactions by many fans and outlets. Judging by a new report, it seems like the hype surroundingShadowsis already making itself evident in sales figures.
In a recent post on Twitter, Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming claims that pre-orders forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsare “looking very strong.” Though he states that he doesn’t “have the exact numbers yet,” none of the sources at Ubisoft he spoke to were “disappointed with them.” Given Henderson’s near-spotless track record when it comes to reporting on Ubisoft-related leaks, like when he prematurely revealed thata secondPrince of Persiagame would release in 2024, it’s safe to assume that this statement of his is accurate. Indeed, with the success of titles likeGhost of Tsushima, these strong pre-order numbers seem to indicate that there is high demand for anAssassin’s Creedgame set in Japan, after all.
As exciting as the reveal of the game may have been,Assassin’s Creed Shadows' announcement was not free of controversy. When the pricing for the premium editions of the game was unveiled, many lambasted Ubisoft for what they considered egregious monetization. The rumors suggesting thatAC Shadowswill allegedly have battle passesdidn’t help, either. Meanwhile, the reveal trailer forShadowswas hit with a wave of dislikes on YouTube over discontent regarding Ubisoft’s decision to feature a black samurai over a Japanese one, despite the fact that Yasuke is a historical figure.
The Controversies Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows Seemingly Aren’t Harming Its Sales
Regardless of the debates some may be having over certain aspects ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s evident that none of them appear to be negatively impacting the commercial success of the game. Luckily, those who pre-ordered the title won’t have to wait too long to play it asShadowsis set to release on July 06, 2025. In the meantime,Ubisoft fans will have more major gamesto look forward to later this year, withAssassin’s Creed Shadowsbeing only one of them.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
