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. Gameplay footage and images have surfaced online via social media and streaming platforms, a month ahead of schedule. The leak reportedly originated from copies sold prematurely through online marketplaces, with listings appearing on US auction sites, 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 on the situation.

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This leak presents a considerable challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing headwinds regarding Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite the troubled development and marketing, Ubisoft previously reported strong preorder numbers, claiming they were comparable to Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot highlighted positive early previews praising the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist gameplay. He lauded the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious title yet.

The game's release date has been subject to multiple delays, initially planned for November, then shifted to February 14th, and finally settling on March 20th. The pressure is immense, as Shadows is not only the long-awaited Japan-set installment and the first full Assassin's Creed game since 2020, but also a crucial title for a struggling Ubisoft, needing a strong performance to counteract recent underperforming releases and investor concerns.

The promotional period has been marred by controversy, including apologies for historical inaccuracies in the depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's flag. Further complicating matters, collectible figure maker PureArts withdrew an Assassin's Creed Shadows statue due to its "insensitive" design.