People Are Streaming Assassin's Creed Shadows a Month Ahead of Its Official Release Date

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, originating from what appears to be early copies obtained through online marketplaces. While these streams and posts are being rapidly removed, the leak presents a considerable challenge for Ubisoft just a month before the official launch. Multiple reports indicate copies were sold for $100 each on a U.S. auction site. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for comment.

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This leak adds to a series of setbacks for Ubisoft and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite these challenges, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers for the game, claiming they are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, highlighting positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, dual protagonist approach, and overall gameplay. He commended the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.

The game's release has been plagued by delays, originally scheduled for November, then February 14th, before settling on the current March 20th date. The pressure is significant, as Shadows represents 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 facing investor concerns following recent underperforming releases.

The promotional period has been far from smooth, with the development team issuing apologies for historical inaccuracies in the game's depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further controversy arose when collectible figure maker PureArts removed an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue due to its "insensitive" design.