Assassin’s Creed Shadows' production budget has been confirmed to exceed $116 million in the midst of a year that saw massive financial losses for publisher Ubisoft. That announced figure is still less than the annual net losses reported by the company, and while the number may seem large,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis likely to prove a financial boon for Ubisoft in the long run.
The success of the feudal Japanese chapter in the storied action-adventure franchise has been well documented.Assassin’s Creed Shadows' launch day sales, announced by the company nearly two months after the game’s March 20 release date, didn’t give a specific number but noted that it was the second-biggest launch day ever in franchise history, falling behind only 2020’sAssassin’s Creed Valhalla. A separate third-party analysis fromCircana Retail Tracking Servicefound the game to be the second-best-selling title in the first quarter of 2025, trailing onlyMonster Hunter Wilds.
At a recentUbisoft shareholder meeting concerningAssassin’s Creed Shadows, CEO Yves Guillemot reportedly confirmed that the game cost more than €100 million to make, according to a report fromTweakTown. That number translates to roughly $116.25 million in U.S. dollars, and it covers the costs of development, production, distribution, and marketing. It’s also not an exact figure, as Guillemot noted Ubisoft has a policy against publicly releasing final production costs, but he hinted that a large portion of the expenses went towards improvements to the game’s engine.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Was a Pretty Expensive Game to Make
That budget isn’t insignificant and likely places it among the top 30 most expensive games ever produced, but it’s still dwarfed by some other industry giants. Though figures vary, miHoYo’sGenshin Impactmay be the most expensive game ever made, with a budget that, adjusted for inflation, hit $900 million in September 2024, according to projections based on company financial figures. Other reports put Scopely’s mobile gameMonopoly GOon about an even playing field, with some reports estimating it as the first game budget to top $1 billion.
While the reports from Guillemot placeAssassin’s Creed Shadowsfar behind those figures, that big number could put some fear into fans of Ubisoft, given a recent negative budgetary outlook. AUbisoft financial reportreleased in May showed losses totaling nearly $178 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Much of the blame has fallen on the poor reception toStar Wars Outlawsand the underwhelming performance of the now-shutteredXDefiant, but positive numbers from theAssassin’s CreedandRainbow Sixfranchises could point to a better report next May.
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.
