A delay that cost Ubisoft an additional $20 million to improve and polish Assassin’s Creed Shadows has done little to sway public opinion as shown in a recent stream on Twitch.
The game, heavily polarized—let’s be honest, widely disliked—since its reveal trailer, is now facing the harsh reality of its lost appeal. During their latest livestream gameplay showcase, Ubisoft’s Twitch channel, which boasts over 1.1 million followers, barely managed to peak at 15,000 viewers.
The livestream was intended to highlight the game’s “new and improved” gameplay polish, reportedly part of that additional $20 million investment.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows bugs out on official @Ubisoft live stream happening now.
They tried and failed to pet the dog…
— Grummz (@Grummz) January 23, 2025
To make matters worse, during the stream, developers attempted to showcase a seemingly simple feature: a dog-petting animation. Ironically, the animation bugged out, turning the moment into an unintentional metaphor for the game’s troubled development. Rumors and leaks about Ubisoft’s lack of qualified developers appear increasingly credible in light of such blunders.
It also doesn’t help that, during the livestream, viewers in the comments pointed out how poorly written the dialogue was and how terrible the voice acting sounded. Like many others, I have to ask: where’s the improvement? The combat system remains janky, the cutscenes are stiff, and the character models look unsettling when interacting with NPCs. It’s almost as if their mouths are unsynced. It feels unnatural, like watching a doll talk instead of a human being. The effect is oddly reminiscent of Bethesda’s Oblivion NPC talking heads, but without the nostalgic charm.
A sense of cringe and disinterest lingered every time a quest or objective was discussed in the game.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
This project has been mired in controversy since its announcement, with backlash stemming from creative decisions, repeated delays, historical inaccuracies, and a tone-deaf release date.
Initially, fans were excited about the franchise’s long-awaited foray into feudal Japan. However, the decision to make Yasuke, a so-called “historical” Black samurai, the game’s playable protagonist quickly divided opinion. This marks the first time an Assassin’s Creed game has centered on a real historical figure as the player character. This breaks the series’ tradition of using fictional protagonists who interact with historical figures. Critics argue that Yasuke’s inclusion prioritizes modern ideological trends over authenticity, as fans had anticipated a traditional Japanese samurai or ninja lead.
Adding to the discontent are accusations of historical inaccuracies, such as the inclusion of Chinese architecture in a game meant to represent feudal Japan. These missteps raise concerns about the depth of Ubisoft’s research and respect for Japanese history, despite claims of extensive cultural consultation during development.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
The game has also faced delays, first moving from November 2024 to February 2025, and now to March 20, 2025. This new release date, however, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack, a domestic tragedy that killed 13 people and injured over a thousand. This decision has drawn sharp criticism for its perceived insensitivity. Ubisoft’s awareness—or lack thereof—of the date’s significance has left fans once again questioning the company’s respect for Japanese history.
Combined, these controversies paint a picture of a game that has alienated its core audience and jeopardized Ubisoft’s already fragile reputation. With the company’s financial future hanging on Shadows, these mounting issues may undermine its ability to succeed.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a disaster not only for Ubisoft but also for the gaming community. This livestream, a quiet prelude to what sales figures may reveal, underscores the growing disconnect between the publisher and its audience.
Did you watch the Assassin’s Creed: Shadows stream? What did you think? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
Editor in Chief M. Montanaro also contributed to this article.
