Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite its challenging development and marketing journey. The publisher's latest financial report indicates preorders are on par with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a franchise high-water mark.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed unwavering optimism, emphasizing the company's complete focus on the March 20th launch. Early previews have been generally favorable, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive experience, and the effective dual-protagonist gameplay. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication, calling Shadows the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

Originally slated for a November release, Shadows faced two delays, first to February 14th, and then to its current March 20th launch date. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, representing the long-awaited Japan-setting, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial release for a company facing recent setbacks and investor concerns.

The game's marketing campaign has been somewhat controversial. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and for unauthorized use of a historical group's flag. Further, a collectible statue by PureArts was pulled from sale due to its insensitive design. These controversies, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.