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

Assassin's Creed Shadows, slated for a March 20, 2025 release, has suffered a significant leak. Gameplay footage and images have surfaced online via social media and streaming platforms, a month ahead of schedule. The leak originated from copies allegedly purchased from an online marketplace and subsequently listed on a U.S. auction site, according to reports from TheGamer and VGC. While Twitch streams showcasing the game have emerged, they are being swiftly removed. Ubisoft has yet to officially comment.

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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing considerable pressure surrounding the game's development. Despite the setbacks, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, comparing them favorably to Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, citing positive early previews that highlighted the narrative, immersive experience, and the 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 plagued by delays, originally scheduled for November, then February 14th, before settling on the current March 20th date. The high stakes for Assassin's Creed Shadows are undeniable; it's the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, the long-awaited Japan-set installment, and a crucial release for a struggling Ubisoft facing investor concerns after recent underperforming titles.

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