Assassin’s Creed Shadows, slated for release on March 20, 2025, has suffered a significant leak. Images and gameplay footage surfaced online via social media posts and Twitch streams, reportedly originating from copies purchased through online marketplaces. These streams and posts have since been removed, but not before generating considerable buzz a month ahead of the official launch. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for comment.
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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing difficulties with the game's development and marketing. Despite these hurdles, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, 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, 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 pushed back multiple times, originally slated for November, then February 14th, before settling on March 20th. The pressure is immense; Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not only the long-awaited Japan-set entry and the first full Assassin’s Creed game since 2020, but also a crucial title for a struggling Ubisoft needing a strong performer after recent setbacks and investor concerns.
The game's promotional period has been marred by controversy, including apologies for inaccuracies in the depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Furthermore, a collectible figure from PureArts was removed from sale due to its "insensitive" design.
