Assassin’s Creed Shadows Box Edition Requires Internet for Initial Setup
The eagerly anticipated title from Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, introduces an unexpected twist for players purchasing physical copies. Despite being designed primarily for offline play, the game mandates an initial internet connection for setup. This requirement aligns Shadows with Ubisoft’s recent strategies, as seen in titles like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and the forthcoming Star Wars Outlaws, both of which also require an online connection to play their physical versions.
Retailers, including the likes of Best Buy, have started displaying a clear notice on the game’s packaging that alerts buyers: “Internet required to install the game.” The necessity for this internet connection is presumably for downloading crucial day one updates. However, the specifics of how this connects with Ubisoft’s new and somewhat enigmatic Assassin’s Creed Infinity platform remains to be seen. This forthcoming hub aims to serve as a central nexus for the Assassin’s Creed universe, launching in tandem with Shadows.
Despite its offline nature, Shadows marks a continuation of the series’ tradition, being the first major release since 2014’s Assassin’s Creed Unity to not include a multiplayer component. Unity was notable for its co-operative campaign missions set against the backdrop of Paris.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for servers to be discontinued in the future, casting a shadow over the game’s long-term accessibility. This worry stems from Ubisoft’s history of discontinuing online services for games like the online racer The Crew. Nevertheless, the permanent withdrawal of Shadows appears unlikely in the near future.
Ubisoft recently unveiled an impressive cinematic trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, showcasing the game’s protagonists—a shinobi and a samurai. These characters come from divergent paths but unite to form a dynamic duo, each offering unique gameplay styles. Set in the stunning backdrop of 16th century feudal Japan, the game’s development is led by Ubisoft Quebec, the brains behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. They are supported by an extensive network of 15 assisting studios spread across the globe, including select teams based in Osaka and Tokyo.
In addition to the game’s base content, Ubisoft has also revealed details regarding the collector’s editions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These special editions not only secure the main game for enthusiasts but also include a season pass covering two upcoming DLC expansions and an exclusive quest, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows prepares for its launch, the requirement of an internet connection for initial setup in its boxed copies remains a point of consideration for fans of the franchise. Whether this will impact the game’s reception and sales remains to be seen, but it certainly sets an interesting precedent for future Ubisoft releases.
