In just three days since its release, Assassin's Creed Shadows has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing two million players. This success outpaces the launches of previous titles like AC Origins and Odyssey. The game reached one million players within its first 24 hours, breaking records set by AC Valhalla. Ubisoft’s decision to launch Shadows on Steam simultaneously played a crucial role in this achievement, unlike Valhalla which was delayed for two years. Shadows is currently close to beating Odyssey's all-time peak concurrent player count on Steam and is on track to become one of the biggest game releases of the year.

Ubisoft faced challenges in 2024 with several unsuccessful projects such as Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones. The success of Shadows provides a much-needed victory for the company. Discussions are underway with Tencent regarding an investment in a new intellectual property unit that includes the Assassin's Creed franchise. This collaboration could give Tencent, already a major shareholder, increased influence over future Assassin's Creed games while helping Ubisoft maintain independence amid ownership rumors.

The cultural controversies surrounding Shadows did not deter players. Critics questioned the historical accuracy of Black samurai co-protagonist Yasuke, despite his existence being documented. Both Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed subreddit addressed these concerns firmly. The game has garnered largely positive reviews, with 81.7% favorable feedback on Steam. Morgan Park from PC Gamer praised Shadows for delivering enjoyable gameplay, emphasizing its engaging stealth mechanics and superior combat system compared to previous installments in the series.

Shadows’ rapid rise in popularity demonstrates the effectiveness of Ubisoft’s strategic decisions, particularly concerning platform availability. The title’s success underscores the enduring appeal of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and highlights the potential benefits of partnerships with influential investors like Tencent. As Ubisoft continues to navigate industry shifts, Shadows exemplifies how innovative storytelling and refined gameplay can reinvigorate a long-standing series, ensuring its continued relevance in today’s gaming landscape.