Assassin's Creed Shadows Early Access Cancelled Amongst Other Moves at Ubisoft

Ubisoft's recent struggles with game launches have led to some significant changes. The early access release for Assassin's Creed Shadows has been cancelled, and the team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has been dissolved due to disappointing sales.

Ubisoft Cancels Assassin's Creed Shadows Early Access Release

Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition Price Reduced

Ubisoft, during a Discord Q&A, announced the cancellation of Assassin's Creed Shadows' early access. This means those who purchased the Collector's Edition will no longer gain early access. This follows the previously announced delay of the game's release to February 14, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

In addition to cancelling early access, Ubisoft has also scrapped plans for season passes and reduced the price of the Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition from $280 to $230. The Collector's Edition will still include the artbook, steelbook, figurine, and other previously announced items. Unconfirmed reports suggest Ubisoft Quebec is exploring the addition of a co-op mode featuring both antagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, but this remains unverified.

Insider Gaming reports that the early access cancellation stems from challenges Ubisoft faced in maintaining historical accuracy and cultural representation. This, along with the need for further polish by Ubisoft Quebec, contributed to the game's delay.

Ubisoft Disbands Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Development Team

Sales Cited as Reason for Team Dissolution

Ubisoft has disbanded the Ubisoft Montpellier team responsible for this year's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Despite positive reviews, French media outlet Origami reports the team's dissolution is due to unmet sales expectations. While Ubisoft hasn't released specific sales figures, they've acknowledged disappointment with the game's performance within the context of a challenging year for the company.

In a statement to IGN, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown senior producer Abdelhak Elguess expressed pride in the team's work and confidence in the game's long-term success. He noted the completion of the post-launch roadmap, including three free content updates and a DLC released in September. The team is now focused on bringing the game to Mac "by this winter," and team members have transitioned to other projects within Ubisoft. Elguess confirmed Ubisoft's continued commitment to the Prince of Persia franchise, promising future experiences.