# Ubisoft Unveils Significant Alterations to Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Price Drop, No Early Access, and Season Pass Elimination
Ubisoft’s eagerly awaited next chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, has been stirring excitement within the gaming world. Nevertheless, the French publisher has recently unveiled a series of substantial alterations to the game’s launch strategy, particularly regarding the Collector’s Edition. These modifications have left numerous fans disheartened, as they impact some of the most sought-after features of the game.
## Collector’s Edition: Price Drop, but Reduced Content
In a recent question and answer session on Reddit, Ubisoft disclosed that the price of the *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* Collector’s Edition would decrease from €280 to €230. While this price reduction may appear to be positive news initially, it carries a significant drawback: the Collector’s Edition will no longer contain several essential items that were originally promised.
### What’s No Longer Included?
Initially, the Collector’s Edition was expected to provide a selection of exclusive content, including:
– **A Season Pass**: Which would have offered players access to supplementary content, encompassing a bonus quest and two planned expansions.
– **An Art Book**: A beautifully constructed book displaying concept art and behind-the-scenes imagery from the game’s creation.
– **Figures of the Protagonists**: Collectible statuettes of the two main characters, Naoe and Yasuke, were also part of the original offering.
However, with the price reduction, Ubisoft has confirmed that these items will be omitted from the Collector’s Edition. This has incited disappointment among fans eager to obtain these exclusive collectibles.
## No Early Access Anymore
One of the most prominent changes shared by Ubisoft is the elimination of early access for all editions of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Originally, players who bought the Collector’s Edition were assured the chance to begin playing the game three days prior to its official release on **February 14, 2025**. However, Ubisoft has now verified that early access will not be available for any version of the game.
### A Change in Strategy
This choice signifies a considerable alteration in Ubisoft’s approach. Early access has been a common aspect of numerous AAA game launches, allowing players who purchase special editions or pre-order the game the opportunity to start playing ahead of the official debut. The withdrawal of this feature has left many fans feeling frustrated, particularly those who had already pre-ordered the Collector’s Edition with the expectation of early access.
## Discontinuation of Season Pass Model
In another unexpected development, Ubisoft has declared it will no longer utilize the conventional **Season Pass** model for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Season Passes have historically been a fundamental aspect of the gaming industry, granting players access to post-launch content, such as expansions, bonus missions, and additional downloadable content (DLC) for a one-time fee.
### Implications for Future Content?
While the abolishment of the Season Pass might appear to be a cost-effective measure for players, it raises questions regarding Ubisoft’s plans for post-launch content management for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. Will subsequent expansions and DLC be sold separately, or will Ubisoft pursue an alternative monetization strategy, such as a subscription model or microtransactions? Currently, Ubisoft has not provided explicit information about how they intend to distribute extra content for the game.
## Co-op Mode Under Development
In addition to the modifications to the Collector’s Edition and the discontinuation of the Season Pass, Ubisoft has been developing a **co-op mode** for *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. According to industry insider Tom Henderson, the co-op mode is being crafted under the code name “League.” However, given the recent delay in the game’s release, it remains unclear when this mode will be launched.
### Is This a New Path for Assassin’s Creed?
The introduction of a co-op mode might indicate a new path for the *Assassin’s Creed* series, which has traditionally centered on single-player gameplay. While Ubisoft has experimented with multiplayer modes in previous entries, such as *Assassin’s Creed Unity*, the franchise has primarily focused on solo exploration. A fully developed co-op mode could provide a refreshing and thrilling way for players to immerse themselves in the world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* together.
## Release Date Postponed
It’s important to mention that *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* has recently been delayed for several months, moving its release to **February 14, 2025**. This delay has impacted the overall production schedule, affecting the development of the co-op mode and other intended features. While such delays can be exasperating for fans, they can also result in a more refined and complete game upon launch.
## Available on Steam at Launch
In a move that is likely to delight PC gamers, Ubisoft has confirmed that *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be accessible on **Steam** from day one. This marks a departure from Ubisoft’s