Highly-anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows registered a strong physical game debut in the United Kingdom, becoming number one in physical game sales for the second straight week. Early success proves strong interest in the new entry of the veteran Assassin’s Creed franchise, whose persistence in offering the same historical periods and action-adventure experience validates the franchise’s enduring appeal.
As reported by Push Square, a staggering 84 percent of the copies sold were for physical copies, and that speaks volumes about the popularity of physical media in the UK gaming industry. Physical copies’ popularity can be attributed to several reasons, with collector’s editions, for instance, adding on extra physical add-ons such as art books and figurines, which make the collector’s experience richer. The tactility of holding a physical product gives a sense of ownership and permanence that is impossible through digital downloads. Moreover, the consumer still wants the old-style retail experience and enjoys the exercise of browsing and purchasing games through physical stores.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows leads the player on a journey through feudal Japan, a new environment for the series, where players can play through the lives of two distinct protagonists: a samurai and a shinobi. This two-protagonist design supports differing gameplay experiences, catering to diverse playstyles and increasing the scope of narrative development in the affluent historical backdrop. The highly detailed recreation of feudal Japan, including its beautiful scenery and well-crafted cultural nuances, has received extensive acclaim. The game’s setting, along with the established gameplay of the franchise, has seemingly appealed to UK consumers, who have become increasingly interested in Japanese culture through mediums such as anime and manga.
The game’s early success in the UK bodes well for its market performance overall. Although data on digital sales is not yet reflected in these early numbers, the retail copies’ strong performance gives the game a good platform on which to continue. How well the game does in other big markets and over time, especially as digital sales increase, remains to be seen.
However, this initial success in the UK is a good sign that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be successful, and further solidifies the position of the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a family name among gamers. Using two very different characters with contrasting skills and storylines is an extra incentive for the player to be completely immersed within the story. This new take on character idea and gameplay could be the benchmark for all future Assassin’s Creed games.
