Assassin's Creed Shadows has surfaced online prematurely, with gameplay streams appearing weeks ahead of its scheduled launch.
As reported by the GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit, deleted social media posts showcased alleged gameplay screenshots from individuals claiming to have purchased early copies through online marketplaces. The title also briefly appeared on a U.S. auction site before being taken down, with some listings reportedly selling copies for $100 each according to TheGamer.
While several Twitch streams featuring the game have emerged, platforms are actively removing this unauthorized content as noted by VGC. Ubisoft's highly anticipated title officially launches on March 20, 2025. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for official comment.
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This leak presents another challenge for Ubisoft's troubled Shadows project. Earlier this month, Ubisoft emphasized strong preorder numbers despite the game's rocky development cycle and marketing issues.
The publisher's recent financial statement claimed "preorder figures remain solid, comparing favorably to Assassin's Creed Odyssey's performance," referencing the franchise's second most successful installment.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed continued confidence: "Early previews highlight the compelling narrative and immersive world-building, with particular praise for the dual protagonist system's complementary gameplay styles."
"I want to recognize our development team's extraordinary commitment to delivering Shadows as the most ambitious series entry to date," Guillemot added.
The game's release date has shifted multiple times - initially planned for November 2024, then delayed to February 2025 before settling on its current March 20 launch window.
Considerable pressure surrounds Assassin's Creed Shadows as both the franchise's long-awaited Japanese setting debut and Ubisoft's first mainline release since 2020. The publisher urgently needs commercial success following recent disappointments and shareholder concerns.
The marketing cycle has encountered multiple controversies, including apologies regarding historical depictions of Japan and unauthorized use of a heritage group's flag. Most recently, merchandise partner PureArts withdrew a collectible statue citing complaints about its problematic design.
