Assassin’s Creed Shadows has ignited a storm of controversy, marking it as one of the most polarizing installments in the franchise’s history. The extensive backlash caught Ubisoft off guard and significantly influenced the game’s development trajectory.
Ubisoft’s Response to Controversy
Reports suggest that during a recent industry gathering at Paris Games Week, Ubisoft addressed the heated debates surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The presentation included a video detailing the game’s evolution into a subject of widespread critique. The game experienced a delay as Ubisoft shifted focus towards fans who would champion the game amidst a cultural clash over its contentious elements.
As the video concluded, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot commented on this strategy, stating, “We were initially surprised by the extent of the attacks, and we quickly realized that it was a battle, a battle with our fans, to demonstrate that we were, in fact, more of a video game than a message.”
Reception and Market Performance
Whether Ubisoft succeeded in proving Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a game rather than a narrative remains to be seen, as official sales figures haven’t been disclosed. However, it was reported in August that the latest entry became the best-selling new game of 2025 in Europe, outperforming titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Mario Kart World. This suggests a strong European reception despite ongoing debates.
While some pre-launch controversies were warranted, such as issues with the protagonist and historical accuracy, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is by no means a poor game. It refines the RPG elements of its predecessors, offering an engaging experience for fans.