History of Assassin's Creed Shadows in Timeline

Assassin's Creed Shadows, slated for release in 2025, is an action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft. As the fourteenth major installment in the Assassin's Creed series, it follows Assassin's Creed Mirage. The game will likely feature historical settings and action-adventure gameplay, continuing the series' tradition of blending historical fiction with open-world exploration and stealth elements.

2020: Development Begins

In 2020, development for Assassin's Creed Shadows began following the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

September 2022: Assassin's Creed Shadows Announcement

In September 2022, Assassin's Creed Shadows was announced at Ubisoft Forward under the working title Assassin's Creed: Codename Red, along with its planned successor Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe. Ubisoft announced a third period for the Assassin's Creed series, connected by a concept called Assassin's Creed Infinity (later renamed to the Animus Hub).

2023: Assassin's Creed Mirage Release

In 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage was released and served as the predecessor to Assassin's Creed Shadows.

May 15, 2024: Gameplay Details Announced

On May 15, 2024, the first major gameplay details for Assassin's Creed Shadows were announced, along with the final name and release date. It was also revealed that Ubisoft Quebec, developers of Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Assassin's Creed Syndicate, would be developing the game.

September 2024: Release Date Delayed and Season Pass Cancelled

In September 2024, Ubisoft announced that despite Assassin's Creed Shadows being feature complete, they opted to delay the release to February 14, 2025, for further polishing. The company also cancelled the game's season pass and refunded existing pre-orders, with future pre-orders set to include the first expansion for free.

November 15, 2024: Initial Release Date

Assassin's Creed Shadows was initially scheduled to release on November 15, 2024, for iPadOS, macOS, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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2024: Most Wanted Game Nomination

In 2024, Assassin's Creed Shadows was nominated for the Most Wanted Game at the Golden Joystick Awards.

January 2025: CERO Rating and Gore Concerns

In January 2025, Assassin's Creed Shadows was rated as "CERO Z" in Japan, restricting sales to adults due to gore. Ubisoft planned a Japan-specific version without the gore toggle for a less strict rating. A collectible figure resembling a damaged Torii gate Sannō Shrine in Nagasaki was removed due to insensitivity claims.

January 2025: Release Date Further Delayed and Controversy Arises

In January 2025, Ubisoft postponed the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows once again to March 20, as the company explored its sale options. The release date coincided with the 30-year anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack, leading to controversy.

February 14, 2025: Release Date Delayed

Assassin's Creed Shadows' release was delayed to February 14, 2025, for further polishing, influenced by insights from the Star Wars Outlaws launch.

February 2025: Pre-order Status and Physical Copy Leak

In February 2025, Ubisoft reported that pre-orders for Assassin's Creed Shadows were in line with Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Physical copies of the game for PlayStation 5 also leaked that month.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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February 2025: Shrine Destruction Controversy

In February 2025, leaked gameplay footage showed Yasuke destroying the altar of the Itatehyōzu Shrine in Assassin's Creed Shadows, causing controversy. Shrine officials were not consulted and threatened "appropriate action".

March 20, 2025: Assassin's Creed Shadows Release

On March 20, 2025, Assassin's Creed Shadows was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and macOS, receiving generally positive reviews. A version for iPadOS is planned for release at a later date.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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2025: Assassin's Creed Shadows Release

In 2025, Assassin's Creed Shadows, an action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, is set to be released as the fourteenth major installment in the Assassin's Creed series.