Ubisoft Comments on Assassin's Creed Microtransactions

Microtransactions are always something of a controversial inclusion, and now the Assistant Game Director of Assassin's Creed Shadows has commented on them. The Ubisoft series has included microtransactions for numerous entries, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, though some players wish it weren't the case.

There was plenty of controversy surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows in the lead-up to its release. Everything from changes to historical figures to the game allowing the destruction of objects in shrines were decried by players and critics. Nonetheless, the game broke series records for the franchise and became one of the best-selling games in the first half of 2025. However, microtransactions have continued to put some players off.

Ubisoft Comments on AI, Assassin's Creed Sales, and More

During a recent earnings call, Ubisoft had some interesting things to say about the success of its franchises and planned use of AI.

Posts

By LB Beistad

Ubisoft Lead Talks Assassin's Creed Shadows Microtransactions

With the recent release of the Attack on Titan Assassin's Creed Shadows crossover, Assistant Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois spoke about the game with Access the Animus, including discussing microtransactions. While there is some content with the new crossover that can be unlocked without spending money, several cosmetics are available through the game's store that require spending. With regards to microtransactions, Simon said that "For all the flak it gets, it allows us to do the Isu stuff, the quest stuff, the parkour updates, all of it."

Simon's comments on microtransactions are similar to official statements on the matter from Ubisoft in the past. CEO of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, said earlier in 2025 that microtransactions make the experience more fun for the player because they allow them to quickly progress through the game or customize their avatars. Ubisoft has good reason to prop up the positives of microtransactions, though. Back in 2017, the company revealed that it had made more money from "player recurring investments," than digital game sales. These PRIs encompass DLC, microtransactions, and loot boxes. More recently, in the first half of 2024, Ubisoft reported €312.7 million in those PRIs, while the first half of 2025 saw that number rise to €475.3 million.

A look at the Assassin's Creed Shadows available cosmetic microtransactions goes to show why it's so profitable for Ubisoft. At the time of publication, there are 7 cosmetic sets selling for 2300 Helix Credits, which breaks down to $19.99 USD each, while 3 more are available for 1000 Helix Credits, or about $10. It's easy to see that if a player bought every available microtransaction that it would quickly amount to quite a lot of money, and that's not including the base $69.99 to purchase the game.

With that said, the game has also received some additional content releases that have been totally free. Thrown to the Dogs, which was originally a mission only available to those who pre-ordered the game, has been made free for all players, and the game has also seen a Dead by Daylight collaboration and three story drops for no extra cost. The Attack on Titan collab includes a story based on the iconic anime, free unlockable customizations for the player's hideout, and a crystal katana for Naoe. The new free story drop, Puzzlement, introduces a humorous story that will lead Naoe and Yasuke to learn skills from each other, further enriching gameplay.

While many gamers loathe microtransactions, developers who limit them to to cosmetic options and not play-to-win purchases usually help to alleviate some of the frustration. While some gamers likely miss the days when all game extras were unlockable through completed deeds and achievements, for most games, those days have come and gone. However, if Ubisoft can balance providing free content to all players, including unlockable cosmetics, while also offering completely optional microtransactions that keep bringing in cash, both sides of the microtransaction debate may be able to find something to enjoy in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image