Assassin’s Creed Shadows has reached 2 million players, Ubisoft says

Engadget - Mar 22nd, 2025
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows is quickly becoming a major success for Ubisoft, attracting two million players since its release last Thursday. The game, which had been delayed twice for additional polish, is now available on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It has surpassed the launch numbers of previous titles in the series, such as AC Origins and Odyssey. The game is set in Feudal Japan and aims to appeal to both series veterans and newcomers. Reviews, like that of Engadget's Kris Holt, indicate that the game is running smoothly on major platforms, contributing to its strong initial performance.

The successful launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks an important milestone for Ubisoft, especially given the delays it faced prior to release. This accomplishment not only boosts the Assassin's Creed franchise but also showcases Ubisoft's ability to deliver a polished product amid industry challenges. The game's setting in Feudal Japan adds a fresh perspective to the series, enhancing its appeal. The strong debut numbers signal a positive reception and may influence future developments and expansions within the Assassin’s Creed universe, as well as Ubisoft's strategy in the competitive gaming market.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded, accurate account of the success of 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows,' highlighting its impressive player count and surpassing previous game launches. It is timely and engaging, appealing to readers interested in gaming. However, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation by incorporating diverse perspectives and addressing potential criticisms. The reliance on Ubisoft's statements, while credible, suggests a need for additional independent analysis to enhance source quality and transparency. Overall, the story effectively communicates the game's success but could provide more depth in its analysis of the game's impact and development challenges.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately reports that 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows' has drawn in two million players, as confirmed by Ubisoft's social media announcement. The claim that the game surpassed the launches of 'AC Origins' and 'Odyssey' is also supported by Ubisoft's statements and multiple gaming outlets. The release platforms and the fact that the game was delayed twice for polishing are consistent with available information. However, the article does not provide specific details on the reasons for the delays, which could add depth to the factual reporting.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the achievements and positive reception of 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows,' which may skew the perception towards a favorable view of the game. While it mentions a review by Engadget's Kris Holt, it does not incorporate other perspectives that might highlight potential criticisms or issues players have encountered. Including a broader range of reviews could provide a more balanced perspective.

8
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow of information from the game's release and player count to its performance and reception. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the use of phrases like 'mostly so good, it seems' could be more precise to avoid ambiguity in interpreting the game's performance.

8
Source quality

The primary source for the player count and comparison to previous games is Ubisoft's official social media, which is a credible and authoritative source for such information. The article also references a review by a known gaming publication, Engadget, lending additional credibility. However, the reliance on Ubisoft's statements without independent verification from other industry analysts slightly limits the breadth of source quality.

6
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the player count and comparison metrics. It does not disclose potential conflicts of interest, such as Ubisoft's vested interest in promoting the game's success. Additionally, the absence of detailed explanations about the game's delays and their impact on development transparency could be improved.

Sources

  1. https://www.eurogamer.net/assassins-creed-shadows-tops-2-million-players-surpassing-the-launches-of-origins-and-odyssey
  2. https://screenrant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-2-million-players-best-launch/
  3. https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-crosses-1-million-players-on-launch-day-ubisoft-says
  4. https://www.gamesradar.com/games/assassin-s-creed/assassins-creed-shadows-has-already-surpassed-the-launches-of-ac-origins-and-odyssey-with-2-million-players-and-counting/
  5. https://www.engadget.com/gaming/assassins-creed-shadows-review-an-ambitious-and-captivating-world-thats-stuck-in-the-past-170008367.html