Ubisoft has officially announced the cancellation of early access for its upcoming title, Assassin's Creed Shadows, while also reducing the price of the Collector's Edition by $50 due to various setbacks. As shared through a post on Discord, the company indicated that the decision follows the game's delay, the discontinuation of the intended Season Pass, and the removal of the previously planned three-day early access period that was supposed to start with its original release date on November 15.
Consequently, the price for the Collectors' Edition has decreased from $280 to $230. Although some adjustments to the design might occur, Ubisoft assures that the majority of the content will remain as initially promoted. Those who purchase the Collector's Edition will still receive the game along with an assortment of art, collectibles, and a figurine of the main characters. The delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows also hinted at the likelihood of early access being eliminated from the Collector's Edition.
Initially, the release was slated to be split into two dates: November 12 for early access holders and November 15 for the general public. However, the newly established release date has now solidified to a single launch day on February 14, 2025. Ubisoft has taken some time to confirm this, yet it is painfully clear when players will finally get their hands on the game. Ubisoft has faced challenging weeks, with the delay attributed largely to the mixed reviews of Star Wars Outlaws, an experience the company claims has influenced their current decisions.
These issues have negatively impacted stock prices, leading to speculation about CEO Yves Guillemot possibly considering buyout offers. Meanwhile, Ubisoft emphasized that the delay is an effort to ensure that the execution of Assassin's Creed Shadows meets their high expectations, labeling it as "the most ambitious entry in the franchise." As Assassin's Creed Shadows is postponed to a crowded February schedule, anticipate fierce competition that could potentially reshape the landscape of RPG games.