After the launch-day and continued problems with Assassin’s Creed Unity, few could be blamed for a diminished interest in the AC franchise moving forward. From disappearing faces to hard console crashes, to say that Unity was a mess might be putting it lightly.

Because of Unity's problems, though, Ubisoft is well aware that the next AC game, this year’s Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, will have to have near perfect execution for the franchise to save face. To that end, Ubisoft has decided to delay the PC version of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate to help ensure it meets gamers’ quality standards. According to the publisher/developer, the delay will allow them to deliver the “most stable, optimized version of the game on day one.”

Instead of an October 23rd release date like the PS4 and Xbox One versions, the PC version of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate will release on November 19th. That’s less than a month of waiting, PC gamers, so don't worry too much.

Even so, a delay on the home computer is nothing new for most PC gamers and Assassin’s Creed fans,. In fact, most Assassin’s Creed releases have hit first for consoles and later for PC. Sometimes that delay is a month, and sometimes it can be even longer.

Interestingly enough, one of the few Assassin’s Creed titles not to feature the PC delay was Unity, and we all know how that turned out. Frame rate hiccups, character models turning up without faces, and NPCs interrupting cutscenes were just a few of the problems that ran rampant on the Assassin’s Creed Unity experience. The problems got so bad, in fact, that Ubisoft had to issue several apologies, along with gifting players a free game for their trouble.

Needless to say, if Ubisoft can avoid this same situation and PR nightmare by delaying Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, then that it was the publisher is going to do. Moreover, the company’s willingness to hold Syndicate back suggests it is ready to make tough decisions if they benefit the player on a technical level.

Now, whether or not the delay will benefit Assassin’s Creed Syndicate on a gameplay level is yet to be determined. Our time with the game thus far has shown an evolved formula that focuses on faster traversal, more intimate combat, and a unique storytelling dynamic. This is also the first time that Assassin’s Creed has featured a female protagonist in one of its mainline entries.

Intriguing qualities aside, the cautious optimism of Assassin’s Creed fans is palpable, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to this year’s game. Could Unity have hurt the franchise’s standing, or do most fans recognize Syndicate’s appeal?

Are you surprised to hear that Assassin’s Creed Syndicate has been delayed for PC? Which version will you buy, if at all?

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate releases October 23, 2015 for PS4 and Xbox One. The PC version will release on November 19th.