The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, was delayed by Ubisoft until the necessary technological advancements were achieved to fully realize the vision. The idea of bringing the iconic series to Japan has been on the table for years, but the project could not move forward until both the technical capabilities and the story reached Ubisoft's stringent quality standards.

In a recent interview, creative director Jonathan Dumont explained that Ubisoft refrained from starting the project prematurely, prioritizing the right blend of technology and storytelling to deliver an experience worthy of the franchise's reputation. 

This cautious approach underscores the significance of Shadows for the company, especially following setbacks with titles like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. With these challenges in mind, Ubisoft cannot afford another misstep, leading to multiple delays for Shadows . These postponements were partly aimed at refining parkour mechanics and ensuring the game met the expected level of polish.

Despite fans' long-standing anticipation for an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. Many worry that it might feel too similar to previous entries, such as Odyssey or Valhalla. Additionally, the dual protagonists—Naoe and Yasuke—have sparked concerns about how player choices will impact the storyline.

Ubisoft has assured players that they will be able to fully experience the game with either character, completing it 100% as both Naoe and Yasuke. However, questions remain regarding the depth and divergence of their respective story arcs. As the release date approaches, the developer faces the challenge of addressing fan concerns while delivering a fresh and engaging entry in the beloved franchise.

For now, Assassin's Creed Shadows remains a pivotal project for Ubisoft, one that aims to restore confidence in the series and demonstrate the studio's commitment to innovation and quality.

Main image: reddit.com

Comment on this