When Will Assassin’s Creed Mirage Go On sale? (Don’t Miss Out!)
Why did the Assassin break up with his girlfriend? Because she was always too busy playing hide and seek! (Okay, okay, I know, gaming jokes aren’t always gold.) But speaking of hiding, don’t let the chance to snag Assassin’s Creed Mirage at a sweet discount sneak past you. The hype around this game is real, and I’m here to break down when you can realistically expect to see those glorious sale banners popping up.
Section 1: Overview of Assassin’s Creed Mirage
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has evolved dramatically since its debut in 2007. Starting with Altaïr’s story during the Third Crusade, the series has taken us through various historical periods, from Renaissance Italy to Victorian England. Each installment brought new gameplay mechanics, characters, and sprawling open worlds. Over time, the series shifted from a stealth-focused action-adventure to incorporating RPG elements, a move that both pleased and polarized fans.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage, released in October 2023, represents a return to the franchise’s roots. Set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, the game focuses on Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief who becomes a Hidden One. The gameplay emphasizes stealth, parkour, and close-quarters combat, reminiscent of the earlier titles in the series. Mirage aimed to deliver a more compact and narrative-driven experience compared to the sprawling open worlds of recent entries like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Key features include a dense urban environment, a focus on traditional Assassin tools and techniques, and a storyline that delves into Basim’s past and his connection to the Isu mythology.
Section 2: Anticipated Release Date
Assassin’s Creed Mirage officially launched on October 5, 2023. Ubisoft ramped up the marketing campaign in the months leading up to the release, showcasing gameplay trailers, developer diaries, and in-depth looks at the game’s setting and characters.
Ubisoft offered several pre-order bonuses, including:
- Standard Edition: Base game.
- Deluxe Edition: Base game, a digital art book, the game soundtrack, and a Deluxe Pack containing a Prince of Persia-inspired outfit and weapons.
- Collector’s Case: Included everything from the Deluxe Edition, plus a Basim figurine, a map of Baghdad, a brooch, and a steelbook case.
These editions were available across various platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.
Section 3: Historical Context of Assassin’s Creed Sales
Predicting when a game will go on sale isn’t an exact science, but looking at past trends gives us a solid foundation. Previous Assassin’s Creed titles have generally followed a predictable pattern:
- Initial Price Hold: For the first few weeks (1-2 months) after release, the game typically maintains its full price.
- First Sale: Expect the first noticeable discount (10-20%) around major gaming events like Black Friday (late November) or the holiday season (December).
- Deeper Discounts: More significant price drops (30-50%) usually occur within 3-6 months of release, often coinciding with seasonal sales events or the launch of new DLC.
- Steepest Discounts: The most substantial discounts (60% or more) are common a year or more after release, particularly when a new Assassin’s Creed title is announced or released.
Factors influencing sale timing include:
- Major Gaming Events: Events like E3 (now defunct, but its timing is still relevant for announcements), Gamescom, and The Game Awards often trigger sales across various platforms.
- Seasonal Sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and summer sales are prime opportunities for discounts.
- Ubisoft’s Sales Strategy: Ubisoft frequently holds publisher-specific sales events on their Uplay platform and through partnerships with other retailers.
- Game Performance: If a game underperforms commercially, the publisher might implement quicker or deeper discounts to boost sales.
Here’s a look at the approximate sale patterns of some previous Assassin’s Creed titles, based on data gathered from price tracking websites like PriceCharting and historical sale listings on platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Store:
Title | Release Date | First Sale (Approx.) | Discount % (First Sale) | Deeper Discount (Approx.) | Discount % (Deeper) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | Nov 10, 2020 | Black Friday 2020 | 15% | 3 Months After | 30% |
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | Oct 5, 2018 | Black Friday 2018 | 20% | 4 Months After | 40% |
Assassin’s Creed Origins | Oct 27, 2017 | Christmas Sale 2017 | 25% | 5 Months After | 50% |
Note: These percentages are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and platform.
Section 4: Expected Sale Patterns for Mirage
Given the historical data and the context of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I’m anticipating the following sale patterns:
- First Sale Window (Likely): Black Friday 2023 or the Christmas/Holiday Season 2023. A discount of 10-25% is plausible during this period.
- Deeper Discount Window (Highly Probable): Spring Sale events (March/April 2024) or a Ubisoft-specific sale in early 2024. Expect a discount of 30-40%.
- Significant Discount Window (Very Likely): Summer Sale events (June/July 2024) or around the anniversary of the game’s release (October 2024). Discounts of 50% or more become increasingly likely.
Common promotional practices within the gaming industry that could apply to Mirage include:
- Weekend Deals: Short-term sales offered by digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
- Publisher Sales: Ubisoft often holds sales events dedicated to their games, offering discounts across their entire catalog.
- Bundle Deals: Mirage could be bundled with other Assassin’s Creed titles or Ubisoft games for a reduced price.
- Flash Sales: Limited-time sales with significant discounts, often lasting only a few hours.
Partnerships or collaborations could also influence sale timing. For example, if Mirage is featured in a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass promotion, it could trigger a temporary price reduction.
Section 5: How to Prepare for the Sale
Don’t just wait for the sale to magically appear! Be proactive. Here’s how to prepare:
- Set Up Price Alerts: Use websites like Deku Deals (for Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox) or create wishlists on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store. These platforms allow you to receive notifications when the game goes on sale.
- Follow Ubisoft’s Social Media: Stay updated on Ubisoft’s official Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for announcements about sales and promotions.
- Check Online Retailers Regularly: Monitor websites like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and other retailers for potential discounts.
- Join Gaming Communities: Participate in forums and subreddits dedicated to gaming deals. Members often share information about upcoming sales and discounts.
- Be Ready to Act Fast: Popular games can sell out quickly during sales, especially physical copies. Have your payment information ready and be prepared to make a purchase when the deal goes live.
Timing is crucial. Some sales are fleeting, and stock shortages can occur, especially for physical editions. Don’t hesitate if you see a deal you like!
Section 6: The Impact of Digital vs. Physical Sales
Choosing between digital and physical copies can impact when and how you get a discount.
Digital Advantages:
- Convenience: Download and play immediately without waiting for shipping.
- Frequent Sales: Digital storefronts often have more frequent sales than physical retailers.
- No Physical Media: No need to worry about losing or damaging the disc.
Digital Disadvantages:
- No Resale Value: You can’t resell a digital copy.
- Storage Space: Digital games take up storage space on your console or PC.
- Price Fluctuations: Digital prices can fluctuate significantly, and sometimes physical copies offer better deals.
Physical Advantages:
- Resale Value: You can resell the game after you’re finished playing.
- Collectible Value: Physical copies can be collectible items.
- Tangible Ownership: Some people prefer owning a physical copy of a game.
Physical Disadvantages:
- Shipping Costs: You may have to pay for shipping.
- Stock Shortages: Physical copies can sell out quickly during sales.
- Inconvenience: You have to physically go to a store or wait for the game to be delivered.
Digital sales often have quicker and more frequent discounts, especially during platform-specific events. Physical sales might offer deeper discounts during major retail events like Black Friday. Keep an eye on both to maximize your chances of getting the best deal.
Bundles and promotional offers are common in both digital and physical sales. Digital storefronts might offer bundles that include the game, DLC, and other content. Physical retailers might offer trade-in deals or discounts when you purchase multiple games.
Section 7: Community Reactions and Expectations
The gaming community is buzzing with anticipation about potential sales for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. On forums like Reddit’s r/assassinscreed and gaming communities on Discord, players are actively discussing and speculating about when the game will go on sale and how much the discounts will be.
Some quotes from these platforms include:
- “I’m waiting for Mirage to hit at least 50% off before I buy it. I loved the older AC games, and this seems like a good return to form.” – Reddit user u/AC_Fanatic123
- “I’m hoping for a Black Friday deal. I’ve got my eye on the Deluxe Edition, so fingers crossed!” – Discord user GamerGirl42
- “Anyone know if Ubisoft usually does a Christmas sale on their games? I’m holding out for that.” – Reddit user u/StealthAssassin99
Memes and fan theories related to the game’s pricing and sales are also circulating. One popular meme depicts Basim pickpocketing a store owner to get a discount, while another humorously speculates about Ubisoft raising the price of the game right before a sale to make the discount seem more significant.
Section 8: Conclusion
Finding the best deal on Assassin’s Creed Mirage requires a bit of patience and planning. By understanding historical sales trends, monitoring online retailers, and following Ubisoft’s announcements, you can significantly increase your chances of snagging the game at a price that fits your budget.
Remember, staying informed is key. Set up price alerts, follow social media channels, and check online retailers regularly. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the thrill of Assassin’s Creed Mirage at a discounted price! Keep your eyes peeled, and happy hunting!