Ubisoft Cancels Assassin's Creed Shadows Early Access

As Ubisoft grapples with game launch difficulties, it has confirmed that AC Shadows will not launch in early access as intended. Furthermore, the team developing PoP: The Lost Crown has allegedly been disbanded owing to disappointing sales figures.

Ubisoft Scraps Assassin's Creed Shadows Early Access ReleaseAssassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition Price Reduced

As declared by Ubisoft via a Discord Q&A, Assassin's Creed Shadows' early access launch has been entirely scrapped. Previously, early access was granted to purchasers of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition, but due to recent developments, the game will not be available before its official release date.

This confirmation follows the announcement of Assassin's Creed Shadows' release date postponement to February 14, 2025. The game will debut next year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Besides canceling the game's early access, Ubisoft also confirmed the elimination of season passes and a price reduction for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition from $280 to $230. For those still interested, the collector's edition will include the artbook, steelbook, figurine, and other advertised items. Additionally, reports suggest developer Ubisoft Quebec plans to incorporate a co-op mode into Assassin's Creed Shadow, enabling two players to simultaneously control antagonists Naoe and Yasuke. However, this remains unconfirmed.

According to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft canceled early access due to "challenges maintaining historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity." This also contributed to the game's release date shift to February next year, along with Ubisoft Quebec needing more time for polishing, per the news outlet.

Ubisoft Dismisses Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Development TeamPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown Sales Cited as Primary Reason

Ubisoft has disbanded the team that developed this year's lauded action-platformer spinoff Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The team comprised developers from the company's Ubisoft Montpellier studio. According to a report from French media outlet Origami, the company dissolved the team, despite favorable reviews for The Lost Crown, because of unmet sales targets. While the company hasn't revealed sales figures, it previously expressed dissatisfaction with the game's performance during a generally challenging year for Ubisoft.

In a statement to IGN, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown senior producer Abdelhak Elguess stated that they are "extremely proud of our team's work and dedication at Ubisoft Montpellier to create a game that connected with players and critics, and I am confident in its long-term success." He added, "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is now at the end of its post-launch plan with three free content updates and one DLC released in September."

Elguess said they are now concentrating on making Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown accessible to more players on various platforms. The game should be available on Mac "by this winter." "Most team members who worked on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have transitioned to other projects where their skills will be valuable," he added. "We know players cherish this franchise and Ubisoft is eager to deliver more Prince of Persia experiences in the future."