On March 19, Ubisoft is pinning its hopes on "Assassin's Creed Shadows" to navigate its financial struggles amid declining revenue, plummeting stock prices, and acquisition speculations. The game, set to launch soon, signifies a return to the publisher's acclaimed franchise following setbacks with previous titles like "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" and "Star Wars Outlaws."
Last year, Ubisoft's stock plummeted by over 40%, attracting interest from potential buyers. Amid rumors of a buyout, the company's founding Guillemot family has reportedly engaged with investors to maintain control.
The game's release has stirred controversy on social media, particularly regarding its diverse character lineup, reflecting a broader backlash against diversity initiatives in the U.S. post-President Trump's term.
Joost Van Dreunen, a lecturer at NYU's Stern School of Business, noted the pivotal nature of the game's success for Ubisoft, stating, "If it does really well, it could go a long way toward repairing its financial position."
Despite challenges, the latest installment of the franchise, set in feudal Japan and featuring two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has refined core gameplay elements while introducing the dual-character system. Jordan Van Andel, with substantial experience in the game, highlighted the polished gameplay but expressed disappointment with the storyline.
Amid discussions on broadening the player base beyond dedicated fans, analysts foresee hurdles in the current political climate, with Wedbush Securities' Michael Pachter pointing out potential challenges relating to U.S. politics.
While the game has faced criticism for creative decisions, including character choices, analysts believe the controversy could paradoxically benefit Ubisoft by generating additional interest.