Ubisoft has long entertained the idea of bringing the Assassin’s Creed franchise to feudal Japan, a setting highly requested by fans. However, the development of Assassin’s Creed Shadows was postponed until technology could fully support the vision Ubisoft had for the game. With the advancements in gaming engines and hardware capabilities, the developers finally found the right moment to bring the project to life. Despite this, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced multiple delays as Ubisoft strives to meet high expectations.
Why Ubisoft Delayed Assassin’s Creed in Japan
Technological Limitations Prevented Early Development
Ubisoft’s creative director, Jonathan Dumont, revealed in an interview that the studio had long considered Japan as a potential setting for Assassin’s Creed. However, the developers were unable to move forward until gaming technology evolved enough to handle the scale, mechanics, and visual demands of the project.
For years, Ubisoft has been pushing the boundaries of open-world gaming, with recent titles featuring massive landscapes, intricate combat mechanics, and deep character customization. Feudal Japan, with its distinct architectural styles, lush environments, and complex combat traditions, demanded a level of realism that was not feasible in earlier gaming generations.
High Internal Standards for Development
Ubisoft has been known for setting rigorous internal benchmarks for its major franchises. The company wanted Assassin’s Creed Shadows to feel immersive and authentic. This meant waiting until they could fully replicate aspects such as:
- Advanced AI mechanics for stealth gameplay.
- Dynamic lighting and weather systems to enhance the open-world experience.
- Seamless parkour and movement mechanics to match traditional ninja and samurai agility.
- Improved combat physics that differentiate between stealthy shinobi strikes and powerful samurai attacks.
Delays Due to Gameplay Enhancements
Ubisoft has postponed Assassin’s Creed Shadows multiple times to refine its mechanics and presentation. Among the primary reasons for these delays were:
- Polishing parkour mechanics: Parkour has always been a signature feature of Assassin’s Creed, and Ubisoft aims to refine movement to match the agility expected in a feudal Japan setting.
- Enhancing stealth mechanics: Since one of the protagonists is a shinobi, stealth mechanics needed an upgrade to allow for more fluid and dynamic assassinations.
- Ensuring visual fidelity: Ubisoft wants Shadows to stand as a graphical masterpiece, necessitating more time for optimization.
- Avoiding past failures: Given the criticism surrounding Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Ubisoft cannot afford another underwhelming release.
Mixed Reactions from the Gaming Community
Despite the excitement surrounding the Japan setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has received mixed reactions from fans. Concerns include:
- Comparisons to Odyssey and Valhalla: Some players fear Shadows might follow the RPG-heavy formula of its predecessors rather than returning to classic stealth-focused gameplay.
- Protagonist choices: The inclusion of two main characters, Naoe (a shinobi) and Yasuke (a samurai), has raised questions about how player choices will impact the narrative.
- Replayability and 100% completion: Ubisoft assures that players can fully complete the game as either character, but questions about how the story unfolds remain.
Ubisoft’s Vision for Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft aims to make Assassin’s Creed Shadows one of the most immersive entries in the franchise. Some key elements Ubisoft is focusing on include:
Dual Protagonists and Storytelling
- Naoe: A stealth-based shinobi character designed for players who prefer assassinations, deception, and quick mobility.
- Yasuke: A samurai with powerful combat skills, offering a more direct approach to battles.
- Player choice impact: While both characters will experience the same overarching story, their approaches will shape how events unfold.
Advanced Open-World Features
Ubisoft is implementing:
- A dynamic weather system that affects stealth and combat.
- Adaptive AI that reacts to a player’s playstyle.
- Deep customization for weapons and skills tailored to each protagonist.
