The launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows comes under intense scrutiny following Ubisoft's recent struggles, including the disappointing sales of Star Wars Outlaws last year. The company has faced numerous challenges such as high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations leading up to this release. With the pressure on, the gaming community is closely monitoring Shadows' performance, which Ubisoft has not yet detailed in terms of sales figures. However, the game achieved a significant milestone by reaching 2 million players just two days post-launch, outstripping the initial player numbers of both Origins and Odyssey.
Amidst Ubisoft's financial turbulence, the Guillemot family, the company's founders, are reportedly in discussions with Chinese giant Tencent and other investors about a potential buyout that would safeguard Ubisoft's intellectual property. This backdrop heightens the stakes for Assassin's Creed Shadows to succeed.
The game's performance on Steam has also been a focal point, with Shadows setting a new peak for the franchise at 64,825 concurrent players over the weekend. This is particularly notable as it was the first Assassin's Creed title to launch directly on Steam. For context, Dragon Age: The Veilguard by BioWare peaked at 89,418 players on the same platform.
Without knowing Ubisoft's specific expectations, it's challenging to gauge Shadows' success definitively. However, insights from an internal Ubisoft email, shared with IGN, shed light on the game's initial performance. Shadows generated the second-highest day-one sales revenue in the franchise, only behind Valhalla, which benefited from the unique circumstances of launching during the global stay-at-home period in 2020. Additionally, Shadows marked Ubisoft's most successful day-one launch on the PlayStation Store, indicating strong PS5 sales.
Regarding PC performance, 27% of Shadows' activations were on this platform, with Steam playing a pivotal role. Ubisoft's internal communications praise the decision to return to Steam, though specific sales data remains undisclosed. The company is also emphasizing record player engagement and positive feedback from moderated, verified platforms, highlighting Shadows as the most-wishlisted Ubisoft game and the top-performing Assassin's Creed title on Twitch.
Ubisoft acknowledges that comparing Shadows to Valhalla is not entirely fair due to the latter's launch during a "perfect storm" of favorable conditions. Instead, they suggest comparing Shadows to games like Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage, released during more typical market conditions. In this context, Shadows sets a new benchmark for the franchise.
The timing of Shadows' release in March, rather than the usual pre-Thanksgiving window, and the absence of an early access period, along with Ubisoft's subscription service now available on Xbox, further complicates sales comparisons. Ultimately, the financial success of Assassin's Creed Shadows will be a critical factor in Ubisoft's future, with more clarity expected in upcoming financial reports.
For those diving into the world of feudal Japan with Assassin's Creed Shadows, explore our comprehensive guide, including a detailed walkthrough, an interactive map, and tips on what the game doesn't explicitly tell you.
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