Ubisoft Comments on Assassin’s Creed Microtransactions

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It’s no surprise that in-game purchases, or microtransactions, often cause debate among players. The Assistant Game Director for Assassin’s Creed Shadows recently addressed this topic, as the popular Ubisoft series has included them in many of its games, including the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. While some players would prefer not to see them, they remain a part of the game.

Before its release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faced a lot of criticism. Players and reviewers voiced concerns about changes made to historical characters and the ability to damage objects within sacred spaces. Despite this, the game achieved record-breaking sales for the series and became a top-selling title in the first half of 2025. However, some players remain hesitant due to the game’s microtransactions.

Ubisoft Lead Talks Assassin’s Creed Shadows Microtransactions

Following the launch of the Attack on Titan and Assassin’s Creed Shadows collaboration, Assistant Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois discussed the game – and its microtransactions – with Access the Animus. While some of the new crossover content is free, certain cosmetic items are available for purchase in the game’s store. Lemay-Comtois explained that, despite criticism, revenue from microtransactions helps fund ongoing development, including the Isu storyline, quests, and parkour improvements.

Simon’s views on buying small items within games echo Ubisoft’s previous statements. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has stated that these purchases enhance the player experience by allowing faster progress and customization. However, Ubisoft naturally has a vested interest in highlighting the benefits, as they revealed in 2017 that revenue from ongoing player spending – including downloadable content, microtransactions, and loot boxes – exceeded their digital game sales. More recently, Ubisoft reported €312.7 million in revenue from these sources in the first half of 2024, which increased to €475.3 million in the first half of 2025.

As a big Assassin’s Creed fan, I checked out the cosmetic items you can buy in Shadows, and wow, it’s clear why Ubisoft makes so much money from these things! Right now, there are 7 full outfits for 2300 Helix Credits each – that works out to about $20 a piece. Then there are 3 smaller sets for around $10 each. If you were to get everything, it would add up fast, and that’s on top of the $70 you already pay for the game itself!

I’ve been loving how the developers keep adding stuff to the game, and the best part is, a lot of it is totally free! They released a mission called ‘Thrown to the Dogs’ that used to be just for pre-orders, but now everyone can play it. Plus, they’ve done some awesome collaborations, like one with Dead by Daylight, and dropped three new story chapters, all without costing an extra penny. The Attack on Titan collab was particularly cool – it’s got a story based on the anime, plus you can unlock free stuff for your hideout and even get a crystal katana for Naoe! And the newest story drop, ‘Puzzlement,’ is hilarious! It’s a fun story where Naoe and Yasuke actually learn skills from each other, which really adds to the gameplay.

Many gamers dislike having to spend extra money within games, but developers can lessen the annoyance if they only offer cosmetic items for purchase – things that change how a character looks, not how they play. It’s likely most players realize the days of unlocking everything simply by playing the game are over. If Ubisoft can offer free content and unlockable items alongside optional purchases, both those who oppose and support microtransactions might be happy with Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

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2025-11-27 04:34