Don’t Compare Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Launch to the ‘Perfect Storm’ Valhalla Benefitted From, Ubisoft Internal Email Says, Compare It to Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage
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Ubisoft is under significant pressure to ensure the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows after experiencing multiple setbacks. These include delays, the disappointing sales of Star Wars Outlaws, studio closures, layoffs, and game cancellations. The Guillemot family, which founded Ubisoft, is also reportedly exploring potential buyout deals to maintain control over the company’s intellectual property.
The gaming world is closely monitoring Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ initial performance for indications of either triumph or failure. Though sales figures haven’t been officially disclosed, Ubisoft announced that the game attracted 2 million players shortly after its launch, exceeding the launches of both Origins and Odyssey. The game also reached a peak of 64,825 concurrent players on Steam, becoming the most-played Assassin’s Creed game on the platform.
An internal email reviewed by iGV sheds light on the game’s first weekend performance. Shadows achieved the second-highest day-one sales revenue in the franchise’s history, second only to 2020’s Valhalla. Furthermore, Shadows recorded Ubisoft’s most successful day-one launch on the PlayStation Store, signaling strong performance on the PS5 console. Also 27% of Shadows’ total “activations” were on PC.
Ubisoft is emphasizing high player engagement levels and positive feedback on moderated platforms. Shadows was the most wish-listed Ubisoft game and is performing exceptionally well on Twitch, even surpassing Valhalla. According to internal communication, Shadows shouldn’t be directly compared to Valhalla due to the latter’s launch during the pandemic, which benefited from stay-at-home gaming. The internal email suggests comparing Shadows to Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage.
Here’s a breakdown of why Ubisoft believes a direct comparison to Valhalla is misleading:
- Valhalla launched under unique circumstances, including the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of new console hardware (Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5).
- These conditions created an unprecedented “perfect storm” for gaming.
- It’s more relevant to assess Shadows against entries such as Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage, which had more typical launch cycles.
Comparing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage is crucial for a fair assessment. Here’s why:
- Origins marked a soft-reboot for the franchise, introducing RPG elements and a vast open world set in ancient Egypt.
- Odyssey continued this trend, expanding the RPG mechanics and featuring a sprawling Greek setting.
- Mirage aimed for a return to the series’ roots, with a smaller scope and focus on stealth.
- Judging Shadows against these titles provides a more accurate picture of its performance within the franchise’s evolving landscape.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting key differences between the games:
| Game | Setting | RPG Elements | Scope | Launch Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origins | Ancient Egypt | Significant | Vast Open World | Typical Cycle |
| Odyssey | Ancient Greece | Extensive | Sprawling Open World | Typical Cycle |
| Mirage | Baghdad | Reduced | Smaller, Focused | Typical Cycle |
| Shadows | Feudal Japan | Significant | Large Open World | Typical Cycle |
| Valhalla | Viking Age England | Extensive | Vast Open World | Pandemic, New Consoles |
Ubisoft’s internal communication also indicates that Shadows was released in March, whereas other Assassin’s Creed games typically launch closer to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday season, which traditionally boosts sales. The company decided against offering an early access period for the new title. Ubisoft’s subscription service is now available on Xbox, influencing sales on Microsoft’s console. All of these factors make sales comparisons a bit complicated.
Ultimately, the revenue generated by Assassin’s Creed Shadows will determine the game’s success and the company’s overall health. A clearer picture is anticipated when Ubisoft releases its next financial report in the coming months. The focus remains on whether Shadows can meet expectations when compared to its more immediate predecessors in a regular market environment. The future of the franchise, and potentially Ubisoft itself, may hinge on its performance.
For players venturing across feudal Japan, comprehensive guides are available, including walkthroughs, interactive maps, and details on crucial aspects often overlooked in the game.
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