Ubisoft’s latest release in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, macOS, quickly surpassing two million players within two days. This strong debut outpaced Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey in early engagement, cementing Shadows as one of the franchise’s most successful releases.

Set in feudal Japan, Shadows has been praised for its compelling characters and immersive historical setting. As the fourteenth major entry in the series and a successor to Assassin’s Creed Mirage, it delivers an expansive world filled with intrigue and action.

Ubisoft’s Response and Future Plans

Ubisoft’s development team expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating on the official Assassin’s Creed subreddit:

“Seeing your excitement, your thoughtful reactions, and your joy has meant the world to us. After years of hard work, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching the community connect with what we’ve created.”

Ubisoft confirmed ongoing post-launch support, with additional content already in development. Executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté said that Shadows will continue to grow, following the long-term engagement model seen in Odyssey and Valhalla.

“We want to expand this game post-launch and offer a lot of free content to players,” Côté stated. “Players want to stay in these worlds, and we aim to keep delivering fresh experiences.”

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

While Shadows had a record-breaking launch, it narrowly missed surpassing Valhalla as the franchise’s biggest debut. Ubisoft noted that Valhalla’s success was influenced by unique factors, including its release during global lockdowns and new console launches. Comparing Shadows to Origins and Odyssey, Ubisoft considers it a new benchmark for success.

A key factor in Shadows’ strong start is its immediate availability on Steam. Unlike Valhalla, which arrived on the platform two years after its release, Shadows launched on Steam, boosting its player count. At its peak, the game reached over 60,000 concurrent players on Steam, close to Odyssey’s record of 62,069 and well above Valhalla’s peak of 15,679.

Expanding the Assassin’s Creed Universe

Beyond its record-breaking launch, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a turning point for the franchise’s future. Reports indicate that Ubisoft is in discussions with Tencent about a potential investment in a new intellectual property unit that would include the Assassin’s Creed series. Such a move could grant Tencent greater influence over the franchise’s direction while providing Ubisoft with additional resources to expand its projects. With Shadows proving to be a major success, this development could shape the future of the Assassin’s Creed series for years to come.

The Road Ahead

With an iPadOS version reportedly on the way, Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to expand its reach. Its successful launch, combined with Ubisoft’s ongoing support for post-launch content and community engagement, suggests a bright future for the game. If Shadows maintains its momentum, it could redefine the future of the Assassin’s Creed series and set a new standard for open-world RPGs.