Ubisoft faces immense scrutiny as Assassin's Creed Shadows carries the weight of corporate expectations following recent setbacks, including delays and the disappointing performance of last year's Star Wars Outlaws. The publisher has endured multiple high-profile failures, workforce reductions, studio shutdowns, and cancelled projects leading up to Shadows' launch.
The situation has grown so dire that Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family is reportedly negotiating with Tencent and other investors regarding a potential buyout that would maintain control over the company's valuable IP portfolio.
The gaming industry remains fixated on Shadows' early performance metrics as potential indicators of success or failure. While Ubisoft hasn't disclosed exact sales numbers, they confirmed the game reached 2 million players within 48 hours—surpassing the launch performances of both Origins and Odyssey.
Significant attention focuses on Shadows' Steam concurrent player counts, drawing comparisons to recent AAA single-player releases and previous Assassin's Creed titles on Valve's platform. The game achieved series-record Steam numbers with 64,825 peak concurrent players over launch weekend—notably becoming the franchise's first day-one Steam release. For context, BioWare's Dragon Age: The Veilguard peaked at 89,418 concurrent players.
Without knowing Ubisoft's internal targets, assessing whether Shadows meets expectations proves difficult. However, an internal email obtained by IGN provides critical insights into the game's opening weekend performance.
Key findings reveal Shadows generated the franchise's second-highest day-one revenue—trailing only 2020's Valhalla, which benefited from pandemic-era gaming surges and cross-generational console launches. Shadows also achieved Ubisoft's strongest PlayStation Store debut ever, indicating particular traction with PS5 users.
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Regarding PC performance (available via Steam and Ubisoft Connect), internal data shows PC accounted for 27% of total activations. Company communications highlight Steam's "major role" in PC performance without specifying unit sales, calling the results "strong validation" of returning to Valve's platform.
Ubisoft emphasizes record engagement metrics and positive reception across verified review platforms less susceptible to review bombing. Shadows became Ubisoft's most wishlisted title historically and outperforms all previous Assassin's Creed titles in Twitch viewership—even surpassing Valhalla.
The internal communications provide crucial context for comparing Shadows' launch to franchise predecessors. While falling short of Valhalla's exceptional pandemic-era performance, Ubisoft argues Shadows sets a new benchmark compared to standard-cycle releases like Origins, Odyssey, and Mirage.
"Valhalla launched under extraordinary conditions—global lockdowns coinciding with next-gen console launches," the memo states. "This perfect storm makes Shadows' comparison to standard cycle releases like Origins/Odyssey more meaningful—where it's already establishing new benchmarks."
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Ubisoft notes Shadows' atypical March release window differs from the franchise's traditional Thanksgiving-adjacent launches that typically boost sales. The absence of paid early access and Ubisoft+'s Xbox availability further complicate direct sales comparisons.
Ultimately, Ubisoft's financial fate—alongside Shadows' reception—will hinge on revenue rather than engagement metrics. Clearer indicators may emerge in upcoming quarterly financial reports.
Exploring feudal Japan? Visit our comprehensive Shadows hub featuring walkthroughs, interactive maps, and essential tips the game doesn't reveal.
