Microtransactions are always something of a controversial inclusion, and now Assistant Game Director for Assassin's Creed Shadows have commented on them. The Ubisoft franchise has included microtransactions for many items, including Assassin's Creed Shadowsalthough some players wish it wasn't.
There were lots of controversies around Assassin's Creed Shadows prior to publication. Everything from changes to historical figures to the game allowing the destruction of items in shrines was condemned by players and critics. Despite that, 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 off some players.
Ubisoft Lead Talks Assassin's Creed Shadows Microtransactions
With the latest release of Attack on Titan Assassin's Creed Shadows crossover, assistant game director Simon Lemay-Comtois talked about the game with Access the Animus, including discussed 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. As for microtransactions, Simon said that “For all the taint it gets, it allows us to do Isu stuff, quest stuff, parkour updates, everything.”
Simon's comments about microtransactions are similar to official statements on the matter from Ubisoft in the past. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot previously said in 2025 that microtransactions make the experience more enjoyable for the player as they allow them to quickly progress through the game or customize their avatars. However, Ubisoft has good reasons to support the positives of microtransactions. Back in 2017, the company revealed that it had made more money from “players' recurring investments” than digital game sales. These PRIs include DLC, microtransactions and loot boxes. More recently, in the first half of 2024, Ubisoft reported €312.7 million in these PRIs, while the first half of 2025 saw that figure increase to €475.3 million.
A look at Assassin's Creed Shadows available cosmetic microtransactions show why it is 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 all the microtransactions available, that would quickly add up to quite a lot of money, and that's not including the base $69.99 to buy the game.
That being said, the game has also received some additional content releases that have been completely free. Originally a mission only available to those who pre-ordered the game, Thrown to the Dogs has been made free for all players, and the game has also seen a Dead in daylight collaboration and three story drops at 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 have Naoe and Yasuke learn skills from each other, further enriching gameplay.
While many players loathe microtransactions, developers limiting them to cosmetic options and not buy-to-win usually help alleviate some of the frustration. While some players likely miss the days when all extras could be unlocked through completed actions 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 offering completely optional microtransactions that continue to pull in money, perhaps both sides of the microtransaction debate can find something to enjoy in Assassin's Creed Shadows.
- Released
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March 20, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
