Ubisoft Faces New Financial Issues and Scandal Over Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ubisoft is reportedly considering the creation of a new, independent company to attract investors by focusing on monetizing its most iconic franchises, including Assassin’s Creed. According to a report from Bloomberg, the studio intends to offer a stake in this newly formed entity and has already started discussions with potential investors such as Tencent, along with several international and French investment funds. The projected valuation of this spin-off could surpass Ubisoft’s current market capitalization of $1.8 billion.

It's important to note that these plans remain under review, and there is no final agreement yet. Ubisoft may ultimately decide against moving forward. The success of the upcoming title Assassin’s Creed Shadows will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Ubisoft has expressed optimism regarding the game's pre-orders, which are currently gaining momentum.

Amid these strategic developments, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has once again drawn controversy—this time in Japan. Takeshi Nagase, a member of both the Kobe City Council and the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly, has publicly criticized Ubisoft over the game's portrayal of religious themes and cultural heritage.

Nagase voiced strong disapproval of gameplay elements that allow the protagonist to attack monks within temples or shoot arrows at sacred structures. He further criticized the depiction of the historic Engyō-ji temple in Himeji, where the character Yasuke enters wearing dirty shoes and damages a revered mirror inside the temple.

These comments add to the ongoing discourse surrounding the game’s cultural sensitivity and historical representation.