Ubisoft defends microtransactions in Assassin's Creed Shadows

As microtransactions in Assassin's Creed Shadows have become a crucial source of funding post-launch, allowing Ubisoft to deliver free content and significant updates. Simon Lemay-Comtois, associate game director, defended the model in an interview with IGN, pushing back against frequent criticisms of in-game purchases.

Lemay-Comtois argued that the money generated by microtransactions finances the expansion of the game: "Microtransactions, for all the criticism they get, allow us to make the Isu content, the quest content, the parkour updates, all of that."

Assassin's Creed Shadows has received substantial free content since its release earlier this year. A recent major update added a crossover with the anime Attack on Titan, a new quest titled The Puzzlement, and the inclusion of Corrupted Castles to increase variety, all at no additional cost.

The commercial success of the Assassin's Creed series "exceeded" Ubisoft's expectations in its last quarter. The company is on the verge of finalizing a $1.2 billion deal with Tencent for investment in its new subsidiary Vantage Studios.

Microtransactions, which typically involve cosmetics and DLCs, have become standard in the industry, complementing AAA and AA games. Ubisoft will reveal more details about its new operational model, structured around "Creative Houses" to lead the development of its core franchises, in January 2026.