Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Delayed, Costing Ubisoft €20 Million
Ubisoft’s highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has been delayed, and the company is set to incur a significant financial cost.
During a recent investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed that the delay will result in a €20 million hit to the company’s bottom line. This substantial expense is attributed to both technical improvements and narrative adjustments.
A Lesson Learned from Star Wars Outlaws
Guillemot explicitly stated that Ubisoft is taking steps to avoid a repeat of the situation that unfolded with Star Wars Outlaws. Many players expressed disappointment with the game’s technical performance upon its release. By investing additional resources into the development of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Ubisoft aims to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Beyond Technical Fixes: Narrative Overhaul
While technical issues often require significant development time and resources, the €20 million cost suggests that Ubisoft is undertaking more substantial changes to the game. Industry insider Tom Henderson has hinted at narrative alterations, implying that the delay will allow the development team to refine the game’s story and character arcs.
A Strategic Move or a Sign of Trouble?
The decision to delay Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, while costly, demonstrates Ubisoft’s commitment to quality. By investing in additional development time, the company aims to deliver a polished and engaging product that meets the expectations of both fans and critics.
However, the delay also raises concerns about Ubisoft’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality games. Recent years have seen a mixed bag of releases from the company, with some titles receiving critical acclaim while others have fallen short.
The Future of the Assassin’s Creed Franchise
Despite the setback, Ubisoft remains optimistic about the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The series continues to be a popular and profitable franchise, and the company is committed to delivering innovative and engaging experiences.
As fans eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, it remains to be seen whether the delay will result in a truly exceptional game or simply a costly misstep.
