The 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' situation is crazy...

Summary

The video discusses the recent turmoil surrounding Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise, particularly focusing on the unexpected delay of 'Assassin's Creed: Shadows' to February 2025. The delay comes after the company canceled press previews and their Tokyo Game Show appearance, leading to speculation about the game's quality. Ubisoft's internal memo revealed concerns over polish and player experience, prompting a shift to a simultaneous release model and a return to Steam for day-one launches. The video also touches on the controversy surrounding the game's character Yas and Ubisoft's need to regain player trust.

Takeaways

• 📜 Ubisoft canceled press previews for Assassin's Creed: Codename Red at the last minute, which is an unusual move in the gaming industry.
• 🗼 They also canceled their appearance at the Tokyo Game Show, adding to the confusion around the game's promotion.
• 📉 Ubisoft revised their financial targets, indicating lower than expected net bookings, mainly due to decisions around Assassin's Creed: Codename Red and the softer launch of Star Wars Outlaws.
• 🗓 Assassin's Creed: Codename Red will now be released on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2025, delayed from its original November launch window to allow for additional polishing.
• 🔍 The delay is a response to feedback from the Star Wars Outlaws launch, aiming to avoid similar issues with bugs and gameplay mechanics.
• 💳 Ubisoft is moving away from the traditional season pass model, promising that all players will enjoy the game at the same time, with pre-orders receiving the first expansion for free.
• 💻 The game will be available on Steam on day one, marking a departure from Ubisoft's own launcher, in an effort to remove barriers to entry for players.
• 🔧 Ubisoft is mobilizing large teams to refine Star Wars Outlaws based on player feedback, aiming to improve it as a long-term performer.
• 📊 There's speculation that poor pre-order numbers or other undisclosed issues may have contributed to the decision to delay the game.
• 🔮 The scandal around the character Yas and the game's marketing approach has created a polarized response and potential backlash, which Ubisoft is trying to navigate.

Q & A

Why were the press previews for Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows canceled at the last minute?

The script suggests that Ubisoft canceled the press previews at the last minute, which is unusual in the gaming industry. The exact reason isn't specified, but it's implied that there might have been issues with the game's readiness or other unforeseen circumstances that led to this decision.

What was the initial reaction to the cancellation of Ubisoft's appearance at Tokyo Game Show?

The cancellation of Ubisoft's appearance at Tokyo Game Show was seen as another puzzling move following the last-minute cancellation of press previews. It fueled speculation about potential issues with Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows.

What changes did Ubisoft announce regarding Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows?

Ubisoft announced several significant changes: the game would be delayed to Valentine's Day 2025, they would depart from the traditional season pass model, and the game would be released on Steam day one.

What does the delay of Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows to February 14th, 2025, indicate about Ubisoft's strategy?

The delay indicates that Ubisoft is taking additional time to polish the game and address issues based on feedback from the Star Wars Outlaws release. It shows a commitment to providing a better player experience and avoiding past mistakes.

How is Ubisoft changing its approach to the season pass model for Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows?

Instead of offering early access through pre-orders, Ubisoft will release the game on the same day for all players. Those who pre-order will receive the first expansion for free, moving away from the early access model.

Why did Ubisoft decide to release Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows on Steam day one?

Ubisoft is removing barriers to entry by launching the game on Steam day one, likely in response to player feedback and to increase accessibility.

What was the controversy surrounding the character Yas in Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows?

The controversy revolved around the character Yas, who was portrayed as a samurai and was criticized for not being historically accurate. Ubisoft was accused of taking liberties with the character's design and background.

What does the internal memo from Ubisoft's CEO reveal about the company's mindset regarding game quality and player expectations?

The memo indicates that Ubisoft recognizes the need for high-quality, polished games at launch to meet player expectations. It also acknowledges the company's past tendency to fix issues post-launch and the decision to delay the game to address these concerns before release.

What does the script suggest about Ubisoft's current state and the challenges it faces with Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows?

The script suggests that Ubisoft is in a state of panic, trying to recover from the controversies and issues surrounding Assassin's Creed: Code Red Shadows. They are making changes to win back player trust and excitement.

What does the future hold for Ubisoft according to the script?

The script implies that Ubisoft needs to learn from its mistakes, win over players from day one, and potentially change its monetization strategies. It suggests that the company is running out of time to turn things around.

What is the overall sentiment expressed in the script about Ubisoft and the gaming industry?

The script expresses a mix of concern for Ubisoft's current challenges, hope for a redemption arc, and a desire for the company to deliver better games and compete effectively in the industry.