Ubisoft has announced that they have delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows from its previously planned 15 November 2024 release date.

It will now launch on 14 February 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC (via Steam and other platforms).

Here is the full message from Ubisoft on the delay:

Dear players,

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a dream project for us; finally bringing the series to Feudal Japan with many features developed with our community in mind, such as parkour or the renewed stealth, brought by new technology, all set in a beautiful and immersive world. This is an ambitious addition to the franchise, a rich experience that can be lived through the eyes of two unique protagonists – but we realize we need more time to polish and refine the experience, pushing further some of our key features.

As such, we’ve made the decision to postpone the release date to February 14, 2025. The game will release on a broad range of platforms, including Steam at launch. Additionally, preorders will be refunded and all future preorders will be granted the first expansion for free.

We understand this decision will come as disappointing news, especially to those who’ve been waiting patiently for an Assassin’s Creed game inspired by Feudal Japan, but we sincerely believe this is in the best interest of the game, and ultimately your experience as a player.

Rest assured we are looking forward to the moment you will embark on a memorable adventure with Naoe and Yasuke. Until then, we thank you for your ongoing support.

—Marc-Alexis Cote, on Behalf of All Teams Working on Assassin’s Creed Shadows

This news comes shortly after Ubisoft pulled out of Tokyo Game Show 2024.

The delay isn’t as much of a surprise, considering all of the controversy that the game has drummed up, especially in Japan.

Back in July 2024, Ubisoft issued a formal apology after using a Japanese historical re-enactment group’s flag in a piece of concept art for Assassin’s Creed Shadows without asking for permission. That’s not even mentioning all the controversy related to the inclusion of Yasuke as a protagonist in the game, and whether he’s a Samurai.

Perhaps Ubisoft delayed the game to deal with all this negative public perception towards the game.

Check out the latest trailer below: