Assassin's Creed Shadows, slated for release on March 20, 2025, has leaked online a month early. Social media posts, now removed, showcased images and gameplay, allegedly from copies purchased through online marketplaces. TheGamer reported listings on a U.S. auction site selling multiple copies for $100 each. Further, VGC noted the appearance and subsequent removal of several Twitch streams displaying Assassin's Creed Shadows gameplay. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for comment.
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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing hurdles with Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite the troubled development and marketing, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers, claiming they are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second most successful title.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, highlighting positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, dual protagonist approach, and overall gameplay quality. He commended the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.
The game's release date has been pushed back multiple times, initially from November to February 14th, and finally to March 20th. The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, given its position as the long-awaited Japan-set entry, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a vital release for a company facing recent financial setbacks and investor concerns.
The game's promotional period has been marred by several controversies, including apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan, unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag, and the removal of a "insensitive" collectible statue by PureArts.