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Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s slow sales all Unity’s fault, say Ubisoft

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It may not be out on PC until November 19, but French publishing giant Ubisoft are already upset about the Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s less than stellar sales figures. So what’s to blame? A global hatred of old timey cockney accents? The fact Ubi deemed it fine to insert an actual character called Bloody Nora into the game? Don’t be silly: it’s all Unity’s fault! 

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Our console cousins have been sampling the stabby delights of Syndicate’s 19th century London for a couple of weeks now, and despite the game being better received than predecessor Unity, that didn’t stop first week sales figures being significantly down on Arno’s French farce.

“Clearly in the first week [Assassin’s Creed Syndicate] was impacted by what had happened with Unity,” said Ubisoft CFO Alain Martinez, speaking during an investor call.

In case you’d forgotten, Assassin’s Creed Unity launched in a near unplayable state late last year; its huge crowd system bringing even the most powerful rigs to their knees. It didn’t help the game’s recommended specs were through the roof – something that’s at least been addressed this time out with Syndicate’s system requirements.

Thanks to Syndicate’s troubles out of the gate, there’s cause to think Evie and Jacob Frye’s adventure may do alright when it launches on PC later in the month.”We seem to experience the same sales curve as [Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag],” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. “Versus Unity, Syndicate was down in the first week but nicely outperformed it in its second week as it benefitted from positive word of mouth,” he said of the game’s console sales.

For what it’s worth, I completed Syndicate on PS4. If Ubi can squeeze out a half decent PC port, you’re going to be left with one sumptuous looking tale of historical hitmen. For my money, it’s the best AC since the rather excellent Black Flag.