In a landmark moment for Ubisoft, CEO Yves Guillemot officially announced on March 22, 2025, that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has achieved a staggering 2 million players just two days after its release on March 20. The announcement, made via a company statement and echoed across social media platforms like X, underscores the game’s explosive debut, surpassing the launch performances of both Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. As of 7:19 PM PDT today, the news has sent waves through the gaming community, signaling a triumphant return to form for the embattled publisher and its flagship franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, launched across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, marking Ubisoft’s first day-one Steam release in years. The game introduces dual protagonists—Naoe, a stealth-driven shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical Black samurai—offering players two distinct playstyles in a sprawling open-world environment. Guillemot’s statement highlighted the milestone: “We’re thrilled to see 2 million players exploring feudal Japan with Shadows. It’s outperformed the launches of Origins and Odyssey, and we’re deeply grateful to our community for joining this journey.” The achievement comes amid heightened scrutiny for Ubisoft, following a rocky 2024 with underperforming titles like Star Wars Outlaws and delays that pushed Shadows from November 2024 to February 2025, before a final shift to its current March window.
The numbers speak volumes. Posts on X from gaming enthusiasts and analysts noted that Shadows hit 1 million players on its first day, doubling that figure by day two. For context, Origins—released in 2017—revitalized the series with its RPG overhaul, while Odyssey in 2018 built on that success with a larger scope. Neither, however, matched Shadows’ rapid uptake, though Valhalla—the franchise’s best-selling entry—remains unmentioned in direct comparisons, suggesting its launch may still hold the record. On Steam, Shadows has already climbed into the top 30 most-played games, boasting a peak of 58,894 concurrent players as of this morning, a figure expected to rise over the weekend.
This success is a much-needed win for Ubisoft, which has faced financial and creative challenges in recent years. The company’s stock plummeted in 2024 after Star Wars Outlaws failed to meet sales expectations, prompting a $20 million delay for Shadows to ensure a polished release. Guillemot, speaking during a recent earnings call, emphasized a “player-centric” focus, a mantra that appears to have paid off. The extra development time allowed Ubisoft to refine gameplay mechanics—like a dynamic weather system affecting stealth and combat—and address feedback from earlier previews, ensuring a robust day-one experience. The decision to include a free first expansion for pre-order customers further sweetened the deal, boosting goodwill among fans.
The game’s reception hasn’t been without controversy. Leading up to its release, Shadows faced backlash over its depiction of Yasuke, with some criticizing Ubisoft for perceived historical inaccuracies or diversity-driven choices. Guillemot had previously condemned such “hateful acts” in 2024, reaffirming the company’s commitment to entertainment over agenda. The debate resurfaced on X this week, with detractors claiming the game would “flop,” only to be met with the 2-million-player milestone as a resounding counterpoint. Supporters, meanwhile, praised the game’s visuals, dual-protagonist dynamic, and the allure of its Japanese setting—a long-requested backdrop for the series.
Critically, Shadows has earned strong marks. IGN’s review awarded it an 8/10, lauding its refined open-world design and evolved combat, calling it “one of the best versions of the Assassin’s Creed formula in a decade.” On Steam, it holds a “very positive” rating, with 81% of over 6,000 user reviews in favor. Players have highlighted the seamless integration of Naoe’s stealth and Yasuke’s brute force, alongside a less intrusive map system that encourages exploration over icon-chasing. A day-one patch also addressed minor cultural sensitivities raised by Japanese politicians, smoothing over potential friction in a key market.
For Ubisoft, this launch is a lifeline. The company canceled several projects in 2024 amid financial strain, and rumors swirled of a potential buyout by Tencent or the Guillemot family taking it private. Shadows’ performance offers breathing room, proving the Assassin’s Creed brand retains its potency. While sales figures remain undisclosed—player counts don’t directly equate to purchases—the trajectory suggests a commercial hit, especially with a holiday season push and upcoming expansions on the horizon.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes are on whether Shadows can sustain its momentum. For Yves Guillemot and Ubisoft, this milestone is more than a number—it’s a statement. After years of turbulence, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has not only surpassed its predecessors but also rekindled faith in a franchise that continues to define the industry. In feudal Japan, it seems, Ubisoft has found its redemption.
