Assassin’s Creed Shadows Shifts Strategy, No Second Expansion Planned
Ubisoft has announced a significant shift in post-launch strategy for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Instead of the traditional approach of releasing multiple paid expansions, the game will receive what Ubisoft describes as “chunkier updates.”
This news follows the recent release of the game’s first, and now only, expansion, “Claws of Awaji.” The decision marks a departure from the established model for recent Assassin’s Creed titles, which have often seen extensive post-launch content delivered through larger, distinct expansion packs.
What Does ‘Chunkier Updates’ Mean?
While the specifics of these “chunkier updates” remain somewhat vague, Ubisoft indicated they will be substantial in scope, comparable to the recent Assassin’s Creed Shadows x Attack on Titan crossover event. This suggests a focus on significant content additions and enhancements rather than smaller, incremental patches or entirely new narrative arcs that typically define expansions.
This new approach aims to provide meaningful content drops to players without the commitment and structure of a full expansion season pass. It remains to be seen how this will impact the long-term engagement with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and how it aligns with player expectations for evolving game worlds.
Our Take: A Pragmatic Pivot?
This strategic pivot from Ubisoft could be seen as a pragmatic response to evolving player engagement models and development realities. The traditional expansion model requires significant upfront investment and can sometimes lead to content that feels stretched thin. By opting for “chunkier updates,” Ubisoft might be aiming for a more focused and impactful delivery of new content, potentially allowing for quicker iteration and response to player feedback.
However, this change also raises questions for dedicated fans who anticipate the rich, story-driven expansions that have become a hallmark of the series. The success of this new model will hinge on the quality, frequency, and perceived value of these “chunkier updates” compared to the more predictable structure of past expansions.
