The choice of setting and characters has been a long-awaited request from fans. Many have been eager to see an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan, given its rich history and cultural significance. However, in the past, Ubisoft has aimed to explore lesser-known periods in history through the franchise. Alex Hutchinson, creative director on Assassin’s Creed 3, explained that they wanted to avoid making the game feel too familiar and repetitive. He mentioned that the idea of a ninja or samurai-based game had been explored before in other titles.
However, one way to differentiate Shadows and make it stand out is by making the protagonist a woman. This would be a unique and refreshing take on the action-adventure-stealth genre. Ubisoft has been on the verge of creating a female-led game in the past but has often added a more conventional male lead later on. Despite this, there is still hope that Naoe, the female protagonist in Shadows, will play a significant role in the game.
In addition to the exciting news about Shadows, several financial reports were released this week revealing interesting information about the industry. Ubisoft announced the cancellation of The Division Heartland, while Take-Two confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is set for release in Fall 2025. Furthermore, Helldivers 2 became the fastest-selling PlayStation title of all time, showcasing the continued success of multiplayer games.
On a personal note, the author expressed excitement about attending GamesBeat Summit 2024 in California. This event will bring together gaming leaders to discuss strategies for adapting and excelling in the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. The author also mentioned upcoming game releases, including Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Seven Keys and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, which they are looking forward to playing.
In terms of new game releases, Homeworld 3, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Men of War II, Die by the Blade, Dread Delusion, Please Fix the Road, and Braid: Anniversary Edition are among the titles to check out. Subscriptions services also offer a variety of new games, such as Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons on Xbox Game Pass and The Forgotten City on Prime Gaming.
Overall, Ubisoft’s announcement of Shadows and its unique setting in feudal Japan has generated excitement among fans. The inclusion of female protagonist Naoe adds a fresh perspective to the franchise, while the financial reports shed light on the industry’s current trends and successes. With upcoming events and game releases, it’s an exciting time for gamers.
