Ubisoft, a leading name in the video game industry, has expressed optimism regarding the pre-order performance of its upcoming game, Assassin's Creed Shadows. In its latest quarterly financial results, the company described the pre-orders as "solid". Although specific pre-order numbers were not disclosed, they reportedly match those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the series' second most successful installment.
The most successful game in the Assassin's Creed series to date is Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which was set in the Viking era and launched in late 2020. This sets high expectations for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which has already faced two delays. The game's release is crucial for Ubisoft during a challenging period for the company, which has been dealing with cost-cutting measures and exploring potential sales options. These challenges follow the disappointing sales of last year's Star Wars Outlaws.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed optimism about the upcoming release, noting that early previews have been positive. "I want to commend the incredible talent and dedication of the entire Assassin’s Creed team," said Guillemot. He emphasized that the team is working tirelessly to ensure that Shadows meets its ambitious goals, making it potentially the most ambitious entry in the franchise to date.
In light of financial challenges, Ubisoft has been actively working on a cost reduction program. This has included difficult decisions such as laying off hundreds of staff and closing several studios, including the UK-based team in Leamington. Guillemot stated, "We plan to pursue our efforts in FY26, going beyond the initial target by a significant margin," indicating ongoing efforts to stabilize the company's financial position.
