Ubisoft Axes Assassin's Creed Shadow's Early Access

Ubisoft's Recent Decisions: Assassin's Creed Shadows and Prince of Persia

Ubisoft has announced several changes impacting upcoming and recently released titles. The early access release for Assassin's Creed Shadows, initially planned for Collector's Edition purchasers, has been canceled.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Release and Collector's Edition Update

The cancellation follows the game's delay to February 14, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Furthermore, Ubisoft has dropped the price of the Collector's Edition from $280 to $230, while also confirming the removal of planned season passes. The Collector's Edition will still include the artbook, steelbook, figurine, and other previously announced items. Unconfirmed reports suggest Ubisoft Quebec is exploring a co-op mode featuring both antagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, but this remains unverified. Insider Gaming suggests the early access cancellation stems from challenges in maintaining historical accuracy and cultural representation, contributing to the release date delay.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Development Team Dissolved

In a more surprising move, Ubisoft has disbanded the development team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at Ubisoft Montpellier. Despite critical acclaim, the decision, reported by Origami, is attributed to the game failing to meet sales expectations. While specific sales figures remain undisclosed, Ubisoft's statement reflects disappointment with the game's performance within a challenging year for the company.

Senior producer Abdelhak Elguess expressed pride in the team's work and confidence in the game's long-term success, emphasizing the completion of its post-launch roadmap. Future plans include a Mac release this winter and a focus on bringing the game to a wider audience across various platforms. Ubisoft reiterated its commitment to the Prince of Persia franchise, promising future installments. The team members have transitioned to new projects within Ubisoft.