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 and streaming platforms, a month ahead of its official launch. The leaks originated from copies allegedly purchased from online marketplaces and auction sites, where multiple listings, some selling for $100, were discovered before being removed. While several Twitch streams showcasing the game appeared, they were swiftly taken down. Ubisoft has been contacted for comment by IGN.

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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing difficulties with Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite the troubled development and marketing, Ubisoft recently reported strong preorder numbers, claiming they are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the franchise's second most successful title. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, highlighting positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, dual protagonist approach, and overall gameplay. He lauded the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.

The game's release date has been pushed back multiple times, originally planned for November, then February 14th, before settling on March 20th. The success of Assassin's Creed Shadows is crucial for Ubisoft, especially given recent underperforming titles and investor concerns. The Japan-set game, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, carries significant weight for the struggling publisher.

The promotional period has been marred by several controversies, including apologies for 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.