Assassin's Creed Shadows: Early Leaks and a Troubled Launch
A month before its official release, Assassin's Creed Shadows has suffered a significant leak. Images and gameplay footage surfaced online via social media posts (since removed) and listings on a US auction site, where multiple copies reportedly sold for $100 each. Further exacerbating the situation, several Twitch streams showcasing the game appeared before being taken down, as reported by VGC. The game's official launch date remains March 20, 2025. Ubisoft has been contacted for comment.
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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing headwinds surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite the troubled development and marketing, Ubisoft recently claimed strong preorder numbers, comparing them favorably to Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, citing positive early feedback on the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist gameplay. He praised the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's "most ambitious entry yet."
The game's release date has been subject to multiple delays, shifting from November to February 14th, and finally to March 20th. The pressure is immense; Shadows is not only the long-awaited Japan-set installment and the first full Assassin's Creed game since 2020, but also a crucial title for a struggling Ubisoft facing investor concerns following recent underperforming releases.
The game's promotional campaign has been far from smooth. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and for unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further controversy arose when collectible figure maker PureArts pulled an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue due to its "insensitive" design.
