Assassin's Creed Shadows leaks emerge pre-launch

Assassin's Creed Shadows has surfaced online prematurely, with unauthorized streams appearing nearly a month before its scheduled launch date.

The GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit first spotted now-deleted social media posts showcasing gameplay footage from someone claiming to have purchased the game through an online marketplace. TheGamer also reported brief appearances of the game in removed U.S. auction listings, where copies allegedly sold for $100 each.

Multiple Twitch streams featuring Assassin's Creed Shadows have since emerged, though VGC notes these are being swiftly taken down. The official release remains March 20, 2025. Ubisoft has not yet responded to IGN's request for comment.

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This leak presents another challenge for Ubisoft, which has faced numerous hurdles with Assassin's Creed Shadows since announcement. Recent financial statements show the publisher remains confident, reporting preorder numbers comparable to franchise success Assassin's Creed Odyssey.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot reaffirmed this optimism: "Early previews highlight the game's compelling narrative and immersive experience, particularly praising the dual protagonist system's gameplay synergy." He further commended the development team's commitment to delivering "the franchise's most ambitious installment to date."

The game's journey to launch has seen multiple delays, shifting from November 2024 to Valentine's Day 2025 before settling on the current March date. Much rides on Shadows' success - not only as the series' long-anticipated Japanese chapter and first full mainline entry since 2020, but as a potential turnaround for Ubisoft following recent setbacks and investor concerns.

The road to release hasn't been smooth, with the studio previously needing to apologize for historical inaccuracies in the game's portrayal of Japan and unauthorized use of a heritage group's flag. Additional controversy arose when collectible manufacturer PureArts withdrew a Shadows statue due to design sensitivities.