Early leaks of Assassin's Creed Shadows have surfaced online, with gameplay footage and images appearing on streaming platforms and online marketplaces a month ahead of its official launch. Removed social media posts and listings on a US auction site (where copies reportedly sold for $100 each) initially revealed the leak, as reported by GamingLeaksandRumours and TheGamer. While Twitch streams showcasing the game have emerged, they are being swiftly removed, according to VGC. The game's official release date remains March 20, 2025. Ubisoft has been contacted for comment by IGN.
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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, which has faced numerous setbacks with Assassin's Creed Shadows since its announcement. Despite these hurdles, Ubisoft recently asserted strong preorder numbers, claiming they are comparable to Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second-best-selling title.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, citing positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist approach. He commended the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
The game's release date has been subject to multiple delays, moving from a planned November launch to February 14th, and finally to its current March 20th release. The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, given its financial struggles following recent underperforming titles and investor concerns.
The game's promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team apologized for inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and for unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, collectible figure maker PureArts removed an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue due to its "insensitive" design.
