How Long Was AC Shadows in Development?
The development process of a video game can be a lengthy and intricate journey, involving countless hours of hard work, dedication, and creativity. One such game that garnered significant attention and anticipation was “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows of the Empire,” commonly referred to as AC Shadows. But just how long was AC Shadows in development? Let’s delve into the details of this intriguing project.
The development of AC Shadows began in the early 2000s, with the game being officially announced in 2004. The game was set to be a prequel to the original “Assassin’s Creed” and was to take players back to the 16th century, focusing on the early days of the Assassin Order. However, the development process faced several challenges and setbacks, leading to an extended timeline.
One of the primary reasons for the extended development period was the technological limitations of the time. When AC Shadows was first announced, the gaming industry was still in the early stages of transitioning from the PlayStation 2 and Xbox to the next generation of consoles, such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The developers, Ubisoft, had to work tirelessly to ensure that the game would run smoothly on these new platforms, which ultimately led to a longer development cycle.
Additionally, the game’s design and scope evolved significantly during the development process. Originally envisioned as a more action-oriented title, the game eventually shifted towards a more stealth-focused approach, similar to its predecessors. This change required substantial reworking of the game’s mechanics, story, and gameplay, further extending the development timeline.
In 2008, Ubisoft revealed that AC Shadows had been delayed multiple times, with the most recent delay pushing the release date back to an unspecified future. The developers cited the need for more time to refine the game’s mechanics and storytelling as the primary reason for the delay. Unfortunately, in 2010, Ubisoft announced that the game had been canceled, marking the end of the project after years of development.
In conclusion, “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows of the Empire” was in development for approximately six years, from its announcement in 2004 to its cancellation in 2010. The game’s extended development period can be attributed to technological challenges, evolving design, and the need for further refinement. While AC Shadows was never released, it remains a fascinating case study in the development process of video games and the factors that can contribute to an extended timeline.
