Assassin’s Creed Shadows Delayed Again to March 20 as Ubisoft Reviews Potential Company Sale
Ubisoft has announced another delay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, now scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, as the company focuses on refining gameplay quality and integrating player feedback from the past three months. This additional development time aims to ensure a strong launch for what Ubisoft describes as "the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed opus" to date.
Strategic Moves Amid Financial Challenges
The delay comes alongside significant developments at Ubisoft. The company has appointed leading advisors to explore "transformational strategic and capitalistic options" as part of a broader effort to maximize stakeholder value. This process, overseen by independent board members, could potentially lead to a company sale or other transformative actions.
In line with cost-cutting measures, Ubisoft has already reduced its fixed cost base by over €200 million, discontinued XDefiant, and closed three production studios in high-cost regions. These steps are part of an ongoing strategy to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a selective approach to investments.
Financial Updates
Ubisoft’s Q3 FY2024-25 net bookings are expected to be around €300 million, impacted by lower-than-expected holiday sales, particularly for Star Wars Outlaws, and the discontinuation of XDefiant. Full-year net bookings are forecasted at approximately €1.9 billion, while the company anticipates breaking even in non-IFRS operating income and free cash flow.
Additionally, Ubisoft is exploring new partnership opportunities for game monetization and streaming rights, which were acquired last fiscal year.
CEO’s Vision for Ubisoft’s Future
Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s Co-Founder and CEO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional player experiences and emphasized that strategic reviews are crucial for unlocking Ubisoft's full potential. He expressed confidence in the company’s teams and highlighted Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a pivotal release, stating:
"We are all behind our teams’ efforts to create the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed opus of the franchise. We made the decision to provide an extra month of development to fully deliver on the potential of the game and finish the year on a strong note.”
As Ubisoft continues its strategic review, the gaming community will be closely watching for updates on the company’s future. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows now slated for March and broader industry changes on the horizon, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for one of gaming's most iconic publishers.
What are your thoughts on Ubisoft’s strategic shifts and the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Let us know in the comments below!
