The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in the rich backdrop of feudal Japan, has been a long-awaited project for Ubisoft. The company delayed the game's release until they could achieve the necessary technological advancements to fully realize their ambitious vision. The idea of exploring Japan within the iconic series has been in discussion for years, but Ubisoft held off until both the technical capabilities and the narrative met their stringent quality standards.

In a recent interview, creative director Jonathan Dumont shared that Ubisoft avoided starting the project prematurely, focusing on achieving the perfect balance of technology and storytelling. This meticulous approach highlights the importance of Shadows for Ubisoft, particularly after facing challenges with games like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. With these setbacks in mind, Ubisoft cannot afford another misstep, which has led to multiple delays for Shadows. These delays were, in part, to refine the parkour mechanics and ensure the game reached the expected level of polish.

Despite the long-standing anticipation from fans for an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. Some fans are concerned that it might feel too similar to previous entries like Odyssey or Valhalla. Additionally, the introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has raised questions about how player choices will affect the storyline.

Ubisoft has reassured players that they will be able to experience the entire game with either character, achieving 100% completion as both Naoe and Yasuke. However, there are still questions about the depth and divergence of their respective story arcs. As the release date nears, Ubisoft faces the challenge of addressing these fan concerns while delivering a fresh and engaging addition to the beloved franchise.

For Ubisoft, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a critical project aimed at restoring confidence in the series and showcasing the studio's dedication to innovation and quality.