Ubisoft Adjusts Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition Pricing

Ubisoft has announced changes to the contents and pricing of the Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition following the game's delay to February 2025. The publisher has removed the previously included three-day early access and season pass, leading to a price reduction from $279.99 to $229.99.

Ubisoft Adapts Collector's Edition to Reflect Game Changes

Delayed Release and Revised Content

Ubisoft's highly anticipated Assassin's Creed Shadows was originally slated for release this November, but the company has now pushed the launch to February 2025. Alongside this delay, Ubisoft has announced significant changes to the game's content and delivery model.The most notable change is the removal of the previously included three-day early access and season pass. These features, which were part of the original Collector's Edition offering, have been eliminated, leading to a price reduction for the premium package.

Collector's Edition Adjustments

Despite these changes, the Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition will still include a range of physical and digital items. The physical contents include a dual character statue, a unique SteelBook case, a collector's art book, a life-sized katana tsuba, a world map, and a Creed wall scroll, as well as two sumi-e lithographs.The digital content will consist of the Sekiryu Dual Pack, the Sekiryu Hideout Pack, and five mastery points. Ubisoft has stated that the overall content will "mostly remain as initially advertised, though some design elements may change."

Addressing Potential Competition

The delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows has raised concerns about potential competition from Sony's recently revealed Ghost of Yōtei, another historical action-adventure game set in Japan. However, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has attempted to downplay these concerns, stating that "there's a lot of space for very high-quality games, and those two games can sell very well."Guillemot's comments suggest that Ubisoft is confident in the appeal and uniqueness of Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite the potential overlap with Ghost of Yōtei. The company seems to believe that both titles can find success in the market, indicating a belief in the continued demand for high-quality historical action-adventure experiences.

Adapting to Changing Expectations

The adjustments to the Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition reflect Ubisoft's willingness to adapt to changing player expectations and market conditions. By removing the early access and season pass, the company is acknowledging the shifting preferences of its audience, who may be less interested in these types of pre-order incentives and post-launch content models.The price reduction, in turn, suggests that Ubisoft is committed to providing a more accessible and value-driven Collector's Edition experience. This move could help to attract a wider range of players, including those who may have been deterred by the initial $279.99 price tag.Overall, Ubisoft's handling of the Assassin's Creed Shadows Collector's Edition changes demonstrates the company's agility in responding to market dynamics and player feedback. By making these adjustments, Ubisoft aims to deliver a more compelling and well-received premium package for its highly anticipated historical action-adventure title.