Ubisoft’s upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, won’t be hitting the shelves until February 14, 2025, instead of the original date of November 12. This change was made because Ubisoft wanted to make sure the game is top-notch before releasing it. The delay was influenced by the not-so-great performance of another Ubisoft game, Star Wars Outlaws. The team behind the game wants to make sure it’s as awesome as possible for the fans, even if it means waiting a bit longer.

Ubisoft mentioned that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is almost ready in terms of features, but they need more time to make it perfect. They learned from the issues faced by Star Wars Outlaws and want to avoid similar problems. Fans who pre-ordered the game can get refunds, and those who pre-order again for the new release date will receive a free expansion. Ubisoft is working hard to ensure that players have a great time with the game when it finally comes out.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take players to Japan for the first time in the series, fulfilling a long-standing wish of fans since the game’s start in 2007. Even though delaying the release might impact sales during the holiday season, Ubisoft believes it’s necessary. The company’s stock prices took a hit after Star Wars Outlaws, but Ubisoft’s co-founder, Yves Guillemot, is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite the challenges. The delay is all about making sure the game is fantastic when it finally launches.

Ubisoft is committed to providing players with an amazing gaming experience through Assassin’s Creed Shadows. They want to meet players’ expectations and deliver a game that will be remembered. Despite the delay, Ubisoft is unwavering in its dedication to creating games that fans worldwide will love. By taking the time to refine the game and ensure its quality, Ubisoft aims to make a big impact when Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally hits the market in 2025.

Original news source: Assassin’s Creed Shadows release date delayed to 2025 (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the students into pairs or small groups. Ask them to read the article about Ubisoft’s upcoming game briefly. Each group must then summarize the main points of the article in 3-5 sentences. After a few minutes, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Write down a few discussion questions related to the article on the board (e.g., Do you think delaying the game was the right decision? How important is it for game developers to prioritize quality over release dates?). Have the students circulate around the room and ask their classmates the questions, recording their answers. Afterward, they can share their findings with the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., delay, top-notch, expansion) and write them on separate pieces of paper. Divide the class into two teams. Call a student from one team to pick a word without showing it to their team. The student then has to draw the word on the board while their team tries to guess what it is. Set a time limit for each round and award points for correct guesses.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Ask the students to work in pairs or small groups. Their task is to create a catchy headline for an article about the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Encourage them to be creative and use the main ideas from the original article. After they have come up with their headlines, have each group present their headline to the class and explain why they chose it.

– Two Truths and a Lie
Instructions: Have each student come up with two true statements and one false statement related to the article about Ubisoft’s game delay. For example, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on February 14, 2025” (true), “Ubisoft’s co-founder is Mark Zuckerberg” (false), “The game will take players to Egypt” (true). Each student takes turns sharing their statements, and the rest of the class must guess which statement is the lie.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why has the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows been changed from November 12 to February 14, 2025?
2. What influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
3. What can fans who pre-ordered the game do now that the release date has been postponed?
4. Where will Assassin’s Creed Shadows take players for the first time in the series?
5. How did the performance of Star Wars Outlaws affect Ubisoft’s decision regarding Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
6. Who is Ubisoft’s co-founder mentioned in the article, and what is his stance on creating games despite challenges?
7. What will players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the new release date receive as a bonus?
8. Why is Ubisoft determined to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows despite potential impacts on sales during the holiday season?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

(1)______’s upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, won’t be hitting the shelves until February 14, 2025, instead of the original date of November 12. This (2)______ was made because Ubisoft wanted to make sure the game is top-notch before releasing it. The delay was influenced by the not-so-great performance of another Ubisoft game, Star Wars (3)______. The team behind the game wants to make sure it’s as awesome as possible for the fans, even if it (4)______ waiting a bit longer.

Ubisoft mentioned that Assassin’s Creed (5)______ is almost ready in terms of features, but they need more time to make it perfect. They (6)______ from the issues faced by Star Wars Outlaws and want to avoid similar (7)______. Fans who pre-ordered the game can get refunds, and those who pre-order again for the new release date will receive a free expansion. Ubisoft is working hard to (8)______ that players have a great time with the game when it finally comes out.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take players to Japan for the first time in the series, (9)______ a long-standing wish of fans since the game’s start in 2007. Even though (10)______ the (11)______ might (12)______ sales during the holiday season, Ubisoft believes it’s necessary. The company’s stock prices took a hit after Star Wars Outlaws, but Ubisoft’s co-founder, Yves Guillemot, is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite the challenges. The delay is all about making sure the game is fantastic when it finally launches.

Ubisoft is (13)______ to providing players with an amazing gaming experience through Assassin’s (14)______ Shadows. They want to meet players’ expectations and deliver a game that will be remembered. Despite the delay, Ubisoft is unwavering in its (15)______ to creating games that fans worldwide will love. By taking the time to refine the game and ensure its quality, Ubisoft aims to make a big impact when Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally hits the (16)______ in 2025.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a pre-order for a video game, and have you ever pre-ordered a game before?
2. How would you feel if a game you were looking forward to playing was delayed?
3. Do you think it’s important for companies to prioritize quality over meeting release dates? Why or why not?
4. Do you like playing games that are set in real historical locations? Why?
5. How do you think fans who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows felt when they found out about the delay?
6. What do you think Ubisoft learned from the issues faced by Star Wars Outlaws?
7. Why do you think Ubisoft decided to take players to Japan in Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the first time?
8. How important do you think it is for companies to listen to feedback from fans?
9. Do you think the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will ultimately benefit the game in terms of quality? Why or why not?
10. How do you think Ubisoft can make it up to fans who were disappointed by the delay?
11. What are some challenges game developers might face when creating a new game?
12. Why do you think Ubisoft’s co-founder, Yves Guillemot, is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite challenges?
13. Do you think delaying the release of a game can have a positive impact in the long run? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the free expansion for those who pre-order again will affect the game’s popularity?
15. Why do you think Ubisoft is so committed to creating games that fans worldwide will love?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. upcoming
2. shelves
3. influenced
4. performance
5. features
6. refunds
7. expansion
8. fulfilling
9. impact
10. stock
11. determined
12. challenges
13. committed
14. expectations
15. refine

Meanings:
(A) Money given back to someone who paid for something
(B) The effect or influence of one thing on another
(C) Being dedicated to a cause or activity
(D) Shares in a company that can be bought or sold
(E) Beliefs about what will happen in the future
(F) Having a strong intention to do something
(G) To improve something by making small changes
(H) Difficult situations that require effort to overcome
(I) Making something come true or happen
(J) Distinctive parts or aspects of something
(K) An addition that makes something larger or more complete
(L) Happening soon or in the near future
(M) Affected or changed by something
(N) How well someone or something does a task or activity
(O) Flat surfaces in a store where products are displayed
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why was the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed?
(a) To change the setting to France
(b) To ensure the game is top-notch
(c) To add more bugs
(d) To release it during the holiday season

2. What influenced the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
(a) Positive reviews
(b) Star Wars Outlaws’ performance
(c) Fans’ impatience
(d) Lack of interest

3. What will fans who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows receive if they pre-order again for the new release date?
(a) A free expansion
(b) A discount on another game
(c) A refund
(d) Nothing

4. Where will Assassin’s Creed Shadows take players for the first time in the series?
(a) Egypt
(b) Italy
(c) Japan
(d) Brazil

5. What impact might the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have on sales?
(a) It will boost sales
(b) It won’t have any impact
(c) It will decrease sales overall
(d) It might affect sales during the holiday season

6. Who is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite challenges?
(a) A random fan
(b) The game developers
(c) Yves Guillemot
(d) The marketing team

7. What is Ubisoft’s goal with Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
(a) To have the most bugs possible
(b) To release it as soon as possible
(c) To make it a boring game
(d) To provide players with an amazing gaming experience

8. What is Ubisoft’s main reason for delaying the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
(a) To ensure the game is fantastic
(b) To save money
(c) To annoy fans
(d) To rush the development process

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The team behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not concerned about meeting fan expectations and is eager to release the game as soon as possible.
2. The delay was influenced by the success of another Ubisoft game, Star Wars Outlaws, which performed exceptionally well.
3. Ubisoft mentioned that the game is almost ready in terms of features, but they need more time to make it perfect and avoid issues faced by Star Wars Outlaws.
4. Fans who pre-ordered the game can get refunds and those who pre-order again for the new release date will receive a free expansion.
5. Despite the prompt impact on sales during the holiday season, Ubisoft believes it’s important to expedite the game’s release.
6. Ubisoft’s game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will now be released on February 14, 2025, instead of the original date of November 12, to make sure it’s perfect before coming out.
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be set in Japan, disappointing fans who have wished for this setting since the game’s inception in 2007.
8. Ubisoft is dedicated to creating an amazing gaming experience with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and is committed to meeting players’ expectations.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why was the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows changed from November 12 to February 14, 2025?
2. What influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the game’s release?
3. How are fans who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows being compensated for the delay?
4. What new feature will Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduce to players for the first time in the series?
5. Why does Ubisoft believe that delaying the game’s release is necessary, even though it might impact sales during the holiday season?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why has the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows been changed from November 12 to February 14, 2025?
The release date was changed to February 14, 2025, because Ubisoft wanted to make sure the game is top-notch before releasing it.

2. What influenced Ubisoft’s decision to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The not-so-great performance of another Ubisoft game, Star Wars Outlaws, influenced the decision to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

3. What can fans who pre-ordered the game do now that the release date has been postponed?
Fans who pre-ordered the game can get refunds, and those who pre-order again for the new release date will receive a free expansion.

4. Where will Assassin’s Creed Shadows take players for the first time in the series?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will take players to Japan for the first time in the series.

5. How did the performance of Star Wars Outlaws affect Ubisoft’s decision regarding Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The not-so-great performance of Star Wars Outlaws made Ubisoft want to ensure Assassin’s Creed Shadows is as awesome as possible before releasing it.

6. Who is Ubisoft’s co-founder mentioned in the article, and what is his stance on creating games despite challenges?
Ubisoft’s co-founder mentioned in the article is Yves Guillemot, who is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite the challenges faced by the company.

7. What will players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the new release date receive as a bonus?
Players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the new release date will receive a free expansion as a bonus.

8. Why is Ubisoft determined to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows despite potential impacts on sales during the holiday season?
Ubisoft is determined to delay the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to ensure the game is fantastic when it finally launches, even if it means impacting sales during the holiday season.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Ubisoft
(2) change
(3) Outlaws
(4) means
(5) Shadows
(6) learned
(7) problems
(8) ensure
(9) fulfilling
(10) delaying
(11) release
(12) impact
(13) committed
(14) Creed
(15) dedication
(16) market
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. upcoming
Answer: (L) Happening soon or in the near future

2. shelves
Answer: (O) Flat surfaces in a store where products are displayed

3. influenced
Answer: (M) Affected or changed by something

4. performance
Answer: (N) How well someone or something does a task or activity

5. features
Answer: (J) Distinctive parts or aspects of something

6. refunds
Answer: (A) Money given back to someone who paid for something

7. expansion
Answer: (K) An addition that makes something larger or more complete

8. fulfilling
Answer: (I) Making something come true or happen

9. impact
Answer: (B) The effect or influence of one thing on another

10. stock
Answer: (D) Shares in a company that can be bought or sold

11. determined
Answer: (F) Having a strong intention to do something

12. challenges
Answer: (H) Difficult situations that require effort to overcome

13. committed
Answer: (C) Being dedicated to a cause or activity

14. expectations
Answer: (E) Beliefs about what will happen in the future

15. refine
Answer: (G) To improve something by making small changes
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why was the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed?
Answer: (b) To ensure the game is top-notch

2. What influenced the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Answer: (b) Star Wars Outlaws’ performance

3. What will fans who pre-ordered Assassin’s Creed Shadows receive if they pre-order again for the new release date?
Answer: (a) A free expansion

4. Where will Assassin’s Creed Shadows take players for the first time in the series?
Answer: (c) Japan

5. What impact might the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have on sales?
Answer: (d) It might affect sales during the holiday season

6. Who is determined to keep making enjoyable games despite challenges?
Answer: (c) Yves Guillemot

7. What is Ubisoft’s goal with Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Answer: (d) To provide players with an amazing gaming experience

8. What is Ubisoft’s main reason for delaying the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Answer: (a) To ensure the game is fantastic
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The team behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not concerned about meeting fan expectations and is eager to release the game as soon as possible. (Answer: False)
2. The delay was influenced by the success of another Ubisoft game, Star Wars Outlaws, which performed exceptionally well. (Answer: False)
3. Ubisoft mentioned that the game is almost ready in terms of features, but they need more time to make it perfect and avoid issues faced by Star Wars Outlaws. (Answer: True)
4. Fans who pre-ordered the game can get refunds and those who pre-order again for the new release date will receive a free expansion. (Answer: True)
5. Despite the prompt impact on sales during the holiday season, Ubisoft believes it’s important to expedite the game’s release. (Answer: False)
6. Ubisoft’s game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will now be released on February 14, 2025, instead of the original date of November 12, to make sure it’s perfect before coming out. (Answer: True)
7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not be set in Japan, disappointing fans who have wished for this setting since the game’s inception in 2007. (Answer: False)
8. Ubisoft is dedicated to creating an amazing gaming experience with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and is committed to meeting players’ expectations. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧