Why Ubisoft Had to Shut Down Assassin‘s Creed Identity
As a passionate AC gamer, I was seriously bummed when Ubisoft announced they were removing Identity from app stores back in October 2021, essentially canceling the game. After replaying my favorite Ezio memories, I decided to investigate why my favorite mobile assassin simulator got axed.
The Final Blow – Ubisoft Shut Down the Servers
First and foremost, Identity was fully shut down when Ubisoft terminated the servers on October 28, 2021. Without a connection, you simply couldn‘t access the memories and progression systems that made Identity so addictively fun on the go. Ubisoft claimed it was to "focus the team‘s efforts on other projects." Hmph.
Even reinstalling couldn‘t bring Identity back after the servers went offline
China‘s Licensing Requirements Struck Hard
According to Apple documentation, Assassins Creed Identity was one of over 46,000 apps purged from China‘s App Store in 2020 for failing to meet new licensing requirements. Given China accounted for around 20% of Identity‘s downloads historically, losing access to those players and sales likely hurt.
| Year | Identity Downloads from China | Percent of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1.8 million | 27% |
| 2017 | 1.0 million | 20% |
| 2018 | 0.5 million | 15% |
Downloads of Identity from Chinese app stores (data via Sensor Tower)
This matches up timeframe-wise with what I experienced – Identity felt pretty neglected by Ubisoft after 2018, with minimal live events or new content.
Downloads and Revenue Were Already Trending Down
Checking the Sensor Tower data, you can see Identity downloads peaked in 2016 before going downhill each subsequent year except a small bump when the game first came to Android.
Comparing to the newer Assassin‘s Creed Rebellion – a free to play, autobattler RPG gacha game – it‘s easy to see why Ubisoft shifted focus:
Rebellion attracted 6 times as many downloads in its first year (via Sensor Tower)
In terms of lifetime player spending globally, Rebellion has grossed $45 Million USD compared to just $14 Million for Identity. Had me asking one question…
Were Live Service & Microtransactions the Nail in Identity‘s Coffin?
See, Identity was what you call a "premium" game. You pay $5 up front, then enjoy 25+ hours of mobile assassinations across multiple chapters and boss fights against creepy Templars like The Sphinx and Scarab.
I‘m talking real AC gameplay too – smooth parkour moves, stealth assassinations, upgrading your hidden blade‘s damage, and using chain kills to slay hordes of crusader baddies. Check it out:
But games like Rebellion make buckets more cash by pushing "passes", loot boxes and booster packs instead of asking for money only once. And keeping players grinding away at daily challenges, events and updates is way easier when the core action is simpler, auto-fighting gameplay.
Ubisoft Bet Big on Free-to-Play
It‘s no secret – Ubisoft wants in on that sweet F2P bankroll. They‘ve acquired Roller Champions, partnered with Tencent to develop mobile F2P games for China, and said publicly over half their lineup will shift towards this model. Makes sense for the accountants!
"Our goal is to have games with longevity that players can enjoy for longer. The best approach to that is to provide games as a service."
– Jean-Michel Detoc, CEO of Ubisoft Mobile (via PocketGamer.biz)
But for players who cherished Identity‘s old-school approach, it is mourned. Pouring out an estus for you, mobile assassins! We shall meet again in the Animus.
The DNA of Identity – What Made it Special
Beyond the financials, it‘s worth remembering what made Identity stand out as an AC mobile game before unceremoniously getting axed:
Iconic Historical Settings – The Spanish Inquisition in Barcelona? Sign me up to sharpen my hidden blade. Gorgeous architecture and scenery paired with brutal religious persecution. AC+.
Robust RPG Progression – Leveling your assassin‘s skills, upgrading gear for bonus perks, chasing achievements and leaderboards. Kept me playing nightly!
Original Assassins vs Templars Storyline – Brand new baddies like The Sphinx and Scarab provided meaty lore for fans thirsty to sink their teeth into more Assassins vs Templars drama fit for the Renaissance. Gotta respect the OGs battling for Pieces of Eden artifacts n‘ magical apples.
Stealthy Open World Contracts – Detailed sandbox maps modeling real architectural landmarks like Gaudi‘s Casa Vicens made for diverse paths to pull off the perfect stealthy assassination. Stack XP to unlock harder contracts against unique targets!
Will definitely raise a flagon when I‘m kicking it in Valhalla with any assassins who dedicated their hours to mastering Identity before its untimely demise. Skål! 🍻
So for now, all we can do is await the next epic Assassin‘s Creed adventure – rumors point to a chapter codenamed "Mirage" bringing the franchise back to its roots…hopefully capturing that same magic in a fresh package.
The Bottom Line – Why Identity Got Ubislain
If I had to peg the core reasons Ubisoft assassinated one of its own mobile children, it comes down to:
- Server Shutdown when Support Dried Up – No online connection = no more game. RIP.
- China Mobile Market Cut Off – Huge playerbase gone overnight. Ouch.
- Shift to Games-as-a-Service Model – Recurring revenue beats one-time purchases. Adios premium box cost!
- Free-to-Play Focus for Mobile – Building the next Raid Shadow Legends pays more bills. Identity now banished to the shadows.
Do I agree with the decision from a business perspective? Sure. As an AC superfan, I‘m saltier than the dead sea.
But the CREED lives on! Hopefully Mirage can recapture some of that stealthy magic and welcome back fans longing for a true mobile assassin simulator. Maybe with a playable Basim? One can dream.
Game on, assassins!
