Ubisoft Urges Comparing Assassin's Creed Shadows to Origins, Odyssey, Mirage, Not Valhalla

The launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows is under intense scrutiny due to Ubisoft's recent challenges, including the disappointing sales of Star Wars Outlaws last year and a series of setbacks including high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations. The pressure is on for Shadows to succeed not only for Ubisoft's immediate future but also amidst talks of a potential buyout by Chinese conglomerate Tencent, as the Guillemot family seeks to retain control over the company's intellectual property.

Globally, the gaming community is keenly observing Assassin's Creed Shadows' performance. Although Ubisoft has not disclosed specific sales figures, they reported that the game reached 2 million players just two days after its launch, outperforming the initial releases of Origins and Odyssey. Additionally, the game's performance on Steam, where it achieved a peak of 64,825 concurrent players, marks it as the most-played Assassin's Creed title on the platform to date, despite being the first in the series to launch directly on Steam.

Comparing Shadows to other recent triple-A single-player games like BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which peaked at 89,418 players on Steam, offers a broader context for its performance. Yet, without Ubisoft's specific expectations, it's challenging to gauge if Shadows is meeting, exceeding, or falling short of targets. However, insights from an internal Ubisoft email, as reported by IGN, suggest that Shadows achieved the second-highest day-one sales revenue in the franchise's history, only surpassed by Valhalla in 2020, which benefited from unique circumstances including the global pandemic and new console launches.

The game also set a record for Ubisoft's best day-one launch on the PlayStation Store, indicating strong performance on the PS5. On the PC front, 27% of the game's activations were through PC platforms, with Steam playing a pivotal role. Ubisoft's internal communications highlight positive player engagement and feedback, positioning Shadows as a significant success in these areas.

Ubisoft cautions against direct comparisons with Valhalla, noting the unique conditions that boosted Valhalla's launch. Instead, they emphasize Shadows' performance relative to other titles like Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage, claiming it sets a new benchmark within the series. Additionally, the timing of Shadows' March release, outside the typical holiday sales window, and the absence of an early access period, further contextualize its performance.

Ultimately, the financial success of Assassin's Creed Shadows will be crucial not only for the game but for Ubisoft's overall health. As we await the next financial report for a clearer picture, the game's reception and player engagement continue to be promising indicators. For those diving into the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides, including the Assassin's Creed Shadows walkthrough, interactive map, and essential tips to enhance your experience in feudal Japan.

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