Ubisoft has delayed “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” once again, pushing its release to March 20, 2025. This is the latest in a series of delays for the highly anticipated open-world franchise.
The game’s delay is not unusual, as it follows several previous delays. Despite numerous rumors and hints about an early 2024 or even 2023 release, Ubisoft has yet to commit to a specific date.
The lack of a confirmed release date is particularly notable given the high profile of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” among AAA games. It is one of only a few big game titles with an actual release date in 2025, which is expected to be a sparse calendar year.
Rockstar Games, the developer behind “GTA 6,” has also faced uncertainty about its own release date. The game was initially promised for 2024 but now appears likely to arrive in March 2025. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, has not confirmed any final release date yet, citing concerns over resources and budget.
The lack of a clear release date for “GTA 6” is causing uncertainty among publishers who are planning their own releases for 2025. With the annual “Call of Duty” titles dominating sales charts in recent years, many expect big game studios to be cautious about committing to specific dates until they know when “GTA 6” will arrive.
In fact, Activision’s dominance in the market has created a challenging environment for other publishers. The company’s “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” release shattered records when it launched last October, and it is likely that it will take top spot on the 2024 leaderboard. Warner Bros.’ “Hogwarts Legacy” also had a successful debut in 2023.
The delay and uncertainty surrounding “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” are not surprising, given Ubisoft’s recent financial struggles. The company has been exploring options, including a potential sale to Chinese giant Tencent. Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games have also faced financial challenges, leading them to cut costs through layoffs and sales of non-core assets.
The massive budget for “GTA 6” is estimated at up to $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive game development projects in history. However, other studios are following suit with high budgets, including Activision’s “Call of Duty” titles, which have reportedly cost hundreds of millions of dollars each.
As a result, publishers are taking a cautious approach to planning their 2025 release schedules, waiting until they know when “GTA 6” will arrive. The annual gaming market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many studios jostling for attention in the crowded space.
Source: https://variety.com/vip/grand-theft-auto-6-launch-date-mystery-assassins-creed-shadows-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-1236271945