Ubisoft has signaled a departure from its traditional post-launch support for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, with associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois revealing that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is unlikely to receive a second major downloadable content (DLC) expansion.
This decision marks a significant shift for a series known for offering substantial expansions, such as the 10-hour ‘Claws of Awaji’ for Shadows, to its dedicated player base.
Key Takeaways
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows will likely not receive a second major DLC expansion.
- This deviates from Ubisoft’s typical post-launch content strategy for the series.
- The decision may alleviate FOMO for players hesitant to jump into the base game.
A New Approach to Post-Launch Content
For years, fans have come to expect multiple large-scale DLCs following the release of a new Assassin’s Creed title. This pattern has provided ongoing engagement and expanded the narratives and worlds within the games. However, Ubisoft’s apparent decision to scale back on Shadows suggests a potential re-evaluation of their post-launch support model.
While this news may disappoint players eager for more content, it could also be seen as a positive for those who have yet to experience the base game or are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of numerous paid expansions. It potentially removes the pressure of future content drops and allows players to focus on the core experience.
Editor’s Take
This shift in strategy from Ubisoft is certainly noteworthy. While the promise of extensive post-launch content has been a strong selling point for recent Assassin’s Creed titles, it also contributes to the ever-growing challenge of keeping up with games. For players already stretched thin by the sheer volume of releases, a more focused approach to DLC might be a welcome change. It could encourage developers to concentrate on delivering a polished and complete base experience, rather than relying heavily on extended post-launch support to justify the initial purchase. However, for the long-term engagement of a live service-adjacent title, this could be a gamble.
A Look Ahead for Assassin’s Creed
The future of downloadable content for the Assassin’s Creed franchise remains an open question. Whether this decision for Shadows is an isolated incident or a sign of a broader strategy change will likely become clearer with future announcements from Ubisoft regarding upcoming titles and their respective content roadmaps.
This article was based on reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
