Despite initial controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is proving the doubters wrong. Ubisoft’s latest report shows strong pre-orders.

The gaming community has been no stranger to the controversies surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows. From its divisive choice of protagonist to concerns about rigid gameplay mechanics, many players were convinced this would be another misstep for Ubisoft.

Players are excited about the game’s release. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

However, after multiple delays and reassuring statements from the developers, it seems Shadows is proving the doubters wrong. Ubisoft’s recently released third-quarter 2024-25 sales report confirmed that Shadows is performing well in terms of pre-orders.

Ubisoft’s report proves Assassin’s Creed Shadows is winning over fans

The game has been revamped. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

While skepticism remains regarding Shadows’ gameplay and narrative, Ubisoft has pulled out all the stops to deliver a polished experience. The game builds upon the core strengths of the franchise while incorporating fresh new elements to enhance engagement.

A major highlight is the introduction of a dual-protagonist system. While some fans are still divided over the inclusion of Yasuke, the system offers two distinct playstyles, each with an important role in the story.

However, insider previews have been largely positive, suggesting that this feature is one of the game’s standout aspects. Additionally, concerns about stealth mechanics and parkour fluidity, two staples of the franchise, have been addressed with significant improvements.

These refinements suggest that the developer stayed true to its promise of enhancing the gameplay experience. From the looks of it, Shadows could offer one of the most immersive Assassin’s Creed games to date.

Another reason for the unexpected high pre-orders is got to be the introduction of Canon Mode and Immersive Mode, which are designed to cater to both casual players and hardcore fans.

Strong pre-order performance despite controversies

The developer has reported the game is doing great on pre-orders. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

Although Ubisoft has not disclosed exact pre-order numbers, the company has confirmed in its third-quarter 2024-25 Sales report that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is performing on par with Odyssey, a game that was a commercial success.

Pre-orders for the game are tracking solidly, in line with those of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the second most successful entry of the franchise.

This indicates that any controversies surrounding the game have had little to no impact on its overall demand. Instead, it looks like the delays have worked in its favor, allowing players to learn more about the game.

So, if there’s one lesson to be learned from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s that controversy can be mitigated if developers put in the effort to deliver a solid game. Ubisoft did not back down from its most contentious decision: the inclusion of protagonist Yasuke.

Instead, the studio focused on improving the overall gameplay experience. By doing that and introducing various new mechanics, expanding the map, and refining core gameplay elements, the developers have turned skepticism into curiosity.

Even those who were initially hesitant about the game are now showing interest, eager to see how the title delivers on its promises. This shift in perception proves that while controversy may stir debate, a well-crafted game can ultimately win players over.

That said, Ubisoft doesn’t get a free pass. The multiple delays suggest that the game was not ready to launch earlier, yet the studio initially planned to release it anyway. This has become an industry-wide issue, not just for Ubisoft, but for many major studios.

In the end, as the March 20 release date approaches, all eyes are on the game to see if it can deliver on its potential. If the current momentum continues, the studio may just have another major hit on its hands.