Assassin's Creed Shadows: Early Leaks and Release Date Delays
A month ahead of its official launch, Assassin's Creed Shadows has experienced unauthorized online distribution. Images and gameplay footage surfaced on social media and streaming platforms, reportedly originating from copies obtained through online marketplaces. These unauthorized streams, while quickly removed, highlight a challenging pre-release period for Ubisoft. The game's official release date remains March 20, 2025. Ubisoft has been contacted for comment.
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The leaks represent a setback for Ubisoft, which has faced numerous hurdles surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows since its announcement. Despite these challenges, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers, comparing them favorably to Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, citing positive early feedback regarding the narrative, immersive experience, and dual protagonist gameplay. He praised the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's "most ambitious entry yet."
The game's release has been delayed multiple times, initially slated for November, then February 14th, before settling on the current March 20th date. The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, a struggling publisher facing investor concerns following recent underperforming titles. The game is highly anticipated not only as the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020 and the long-awaited Japan-set installment, but also as a potential financial turnaround for the company.
The game's promotional period has been marred by controversy. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in the depiction of Japan and for unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further, a collectible figure from PureArts was withdrawn due to concerns about its design.
