A four-year development cycle is seen as optimal for creating a new installment in the Assassin's Creed series

Set to release this November, "Assassin's Creed Shadows" has been under development for four years, marking the most extended development phase in the franchise's history. This duration surpasses the development timeframe for its predecessor, "Assassin's Creed Valhalla," by 25%.

Lead producer Karl Onnée highlights the pride and pressure that comes with following a celebrated title like Valhalla. He notes, "There’s a legacy to uphold, but naturally, we aim to surpass it. With Shadows, we’re exploring new boundaries." Onnée emphasizes the necessity of iteration in achieving high-quality games, a process that requires patience.

While adding more personnel can hasten a project, Onnée stresses that true innovation arises from time-intensive feedback cycles involving both players and team members. The four-year timeline ensures a balanced approach from concept to production with ample opportunity for adaptation based on feedback.

The franchise's dedication to historical authenticity is an essential element that cannot be rushed. Onnée stresses the effort to create accurate cultural depictions, especially with Shadows' setting in feudal Japan. Authenticity involves a meticulous process where artists must understand historical nuances, such as the interior setup of Japanese homes, which differ significantly from those in medieval Europe.

The series' foray into Japan coincides with advancements in gaming technology, which Onnée identifies as a crucial factor. The team's previous experience with "Assassin's Creed Odyssey" in combination with current hardware capabilities enables the realization of their vision, including performance-demanding features like realistic lighting and dynamic weather.

An extensive research methodology supports Ubisoft's commitment to authenticity, involving collaboration with local teams in Osaka and Tokyo, external consultants, and historians. This process culminates in on-site visits to the game's geographic locations, unveiling unique environmental characteristics that secondary research might overlook.

Ubisoft aims to strengthen the franchise's presence in Japan, a significant market where Western-devised action games, such as Sony’s "Ghost of Tsushima," have succeeded. Shadows' cultural fidelity is crucial for resonating with Japanese gamers, as Onnée underlines their commitment to respecting local traditions through thorough learning.

"Assassin's Creed Mirage," a smaller installment released previously, revisited the series’ stealth roots and found favor among fans. During the development of Shadows, the team incorporated insights from Mirage's performance, particularly enhancing stealth aspects evident in both titles. Collaborative efforts across the brand have enabled teams to efficiently share technological and creative advancements, paving the way for continuous improvement across the series.