Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed again

Remember how Assassin’s Creed Shadow It was supposed to be released in November 2024, then Postponed to February 2025? Well, the third release date is now available.

according to New press release from Ubisoft, The company chose to postpone the release date Shadows of Assassin’s Creed Again.

The new tentative release date is March 20, though you wouldn’t be wrong if you doubted this for a third time.

The delay is part of a broader strategic review This is outlined in the strategic update, which aims to “deliver best-in-class player experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize value creation.” Ubisoft hopes that the extra month “will allow the team to better incorporate player feedback.”

Yves Guillemot, co-founder and CEO of Ubisoft, said the team hopes to “create a game The most ambitious Assassin’s Creed Franchise Authorship,” and the additional development time reflects this commitment.

New year, new Ubisoft

It’s no secret that 2024 has not been a good year for Ubisoft. The company faced one hurdle after another, with a failed launch XDefiantthe Skull and bones and Star Wars Outlaws Commercial failure and delay in Shadows of Assassin’s Creed Standing out.

The last quarter of 2024 is primarily dedicated to building the foundation for a healthier 2025, with most… Instant success Being Star Wars Outlaws Thanks transformation Hiring creative director Drew Rechner.

Star Wars Outlaws It was the star of this year’s holiday sales for Ubisoft, however The company reported “lower than expected” numbers for its titles. Reflecting this, third-quarter 2024-2025 bookings are now expected to be around €300 million (about $310 million).

Today’s press release notes that “senior advisors have been appointed to review and pursue” new investment opportunities “to extract the best value for stakeholders,” under the independent supervision of the Board of Directors. In other words, the company is considering acquisition options.

Whether a tangible acquisition happens or not, cost-cutting is the name of the game this year. Ubisoft expects “a reduction of more than €200 million” (or about $206 million) in operating costs compared to 2022-2023. The report indicates XDefiant and Close the studio As steps towards this goal.

It’s hard to say whether a shift in strategy or a potential acquisition will solve Ubisoft’s problems. a contract Shadows of Assassin’s Creed Coming back another month is an unpopular decision, but if the extra time truly results in a more polished game in March, it will be worth it.

The average gamer has developed a low tolerance for incomplete Ubisoft games, so this may be just the statement the company needs to get back into its stride.