The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in the rich historical backdrop of feudal Japan, faced delays from Ubisoft until the technological advancements necessary to fully realize the project's vision were achieved. The concept of setting an Assassin's Creed game in Japan has been in discussion for years, but Ubisoft held off until both the technical capabilities and the narrative met their high standards of quality.
In a recent interview, creative director Jonathan Dumont highlighted Ubisoft's deliberate approach, emphasizing that they avoided rushing into production to ensure a perfect fusion of technology and storytelling. This careful strategy reflects the importance of Shadows to Ubisoft, particularly after facing challenges with games like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. With these setbacks in mind, Ubisoft is determined to avoid further missteps, resulting in multiple delays for Shadows. These delays were partly focused on enhancing the parkour mechanics and ensuring the game achieved the expected level of polish.
Despite the long-awaited anticipation for an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. Fans are concerned that the game might feel too similar to previous entries like Odyssey or Valhalla. Additionally, the introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has raised questions about the impact of player choices on the storyline.
Ubisoft has reassured fans that players can fully experience the game with either character, achieving 100% completion as both Naoe and Yasuke. However, uncertainties persist about the depth and divergence of their individual story arcs. As the release date nears, Ubisoft faces the challenge of addressing these fan concerns while delivering a fresh and engaging addition to the beloved franchise.
Currently, Assassin's Creed Shadows stands as a crucial project for Ubisoft, aimed at restoring confidence in the series and showcasing the studio's dedication to innovation and quality.
