Summary
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté has admitted that the series “struggled to find its footing” following the death of Desmond Miles inAssassin’s Creed 3, while also confirming that the next title will lay the groundwork for a new modern-day story. Although theAssassin’s Creedseries is well-known for taking place in key historical periods, earlier titles were intertwined with a modern-day setting featuring Desmond Miles, and it looks likeShadowsis about to set up a brand-new foundation for the controversial setting.
Ever since the release of the very firstAssassin’s Creedgame in 2007, fans have been begging Ubisoft to release an entry set within feudal Japan. That wish will soon become reality, but it hasn’t been without a few setbacks.Assassin’s Creed Shadowswas delayed into 2025back in September, two months before the highly-anticipated title was set to release. With a new February release date fast approaching, Ubisoft has been pulling back the curtain on what fans can expect fromAssassin’s Creed Shadows, including a return to the series' controversial modern-day setting segments.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Executive Producer Comments on New Modern-Day Story Elements
After thedeath of Desmond Miles inAssassin’s Creed 3, the game’s short modern-day segments became convoluted and largely unwanted by fans. A new character, Layla Hassan, was introduced inAssassin’s Creed Originsas a replacement for Desmond Miles, but Ubisoft now says that the upcoming release ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill set the groundwork for a new direction when it comes to the series' modern day storyline. According toEurogamer, who attended and transcribed Côté’s comments from a recent BAFTA event, the executive producer says that the studio “faced a creative crossroads” with the death of Desmond Miles.
Côté admitted thattheAssassin’s Creedseries"struggled to find its footing" with the modern storyline after ending Desmond’s arc withAssassin’s Creed 3. “The continued focus on characters hunting for Isu artefacts made the narrative more predictable,” the developer said. He went on to explain that the modern day storyline had become a “secondary concern” for players as the approach became repetitive and more of a side-quest, as opposed to a vital part of the game’s story. Côté also noted that 15 years worth of lore meant that the parallel storylines made the franchise “difficult to approach” for newcomers.
After years of a somewhat confusing and convoluted modern day storyline, Côté says the aim is now to “put history back at the centre of the players' experience.” He went on to explain thatAssassin’s Creed’s new modern-day narrative"will serve to enhance, rather than overshadow, the historical journey." The executive producer goes on to explain that Ubisoft intends to draw “meaningful contrast between past and present” and aims to restore the balance that was once the hallmark of the franchise.
With an aim to explore deeper themes of memory, identity, and autonomy, Côté said that the groundwork for this new direction will take place inAssassin’s Creed Shadowswhich will “lay the foundation for this narrative evolution that will grow in the years to come.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
