Ubisoft has found a much-needed success story in its latest release, as player numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows demonstrate impressive momentum just days after launch. The feudal Japan-set adventure has quickly become one of the publisher's strongest performers in recent memory, potentially signaling a turning point after several underperforming titles.
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| An adventurer surveys a vast and tranquil landscape, reminiscent of the feudal Japan setting in Assassin's Creed Shadows, a game that celebrates cultural exploration and discovery |
Record-Breaking Performance
Assassin's Creed Shadows has reached 2 million players in just its first few days on the market, according to an announcement from Ubisoft. This milestone puts the game ahead of the launch performance for previous entries in the franchise including Origins and Odyssey. The game had already broken the 1 million player mark within its first 24 hours, surpassing Assassin's Creed Valhalla's previous record. This rapid player acquisition demonstrates significant interest in the long-awaited Japan setting that fans have requested for years.
Steam Strategy Pays Off
One key factor in Shadows' strong performance appears to be Ubisoft's decision to release the game simultaneously on Steam alongside other platforms. This marks a return to day-one Steam releases for the publisher after previous titles like Valhalla were initially restricted to Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. While the game's concurrent player peak on Steam currently sits around 60,000 players—approaching but not yet surpassing Odyssey's record of 62,069—this represents a significant improvement over Valhalla's peak of just 15,679 players. The accessibility on Steam may be contributing substantially to the game's overall player count.
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| A fierce character stands ready for action, symbolizing the competitive edge Ubisoft sought by launching Assassin's Creed Shadows on multiple platforms, including Steam |
Critical Reception
The game has been generally well-received by critics and players alike. On Steam, Shadows currently holds a mostly positive rating with 81.7% of reviews being favorable. Critics have praised the game's return to stealth-oriented gameplay while maintaining the RPG mechanics and refined combat systems from recent entries. The game's rendition of feudal Japan has been highlighted as particularly impressive, with PC Gamer's reviewer stating it offers some of the most fun I've had with a stealth game in a decade.
A Crucial Win for Ubisoft
This successful launch comes at a critical time for Ubisoft, which has weathered a difficult period following disappointing performances from titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Skull and Bones. The strong start for Shadows may provide the company with much-needed financial stability amid reports that the Guillemot brothers, who hold the largest stake in Ubisoft, are seeking investors to create a new entity to control the company's major franchises, beginning with Assassin's Creed.
Looking Forward
While the initial numbers are promising, it remains to be seen whether Assassin's Creed Shadows will maintain its momentum in the coming weeks and months. If the current trajectory continues, the game could potentially become the most successful entry in the long-running franchise. For now, however, Ubisoft can celebrate a launch that has exceeded expectations and demonstrated that the Assassin's Creed brand remains one of gaming's most powerful commercial forces.