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, originating from what appears to be early copies obtained through online marketplaces. These posts and streams have since been removed, but not before generating considerable buzz. One U.S. auction site reportedly saw listings selling multiple copies for $100 each. VGC reports that Twitch streams showcasing the game are being actively taken down. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for 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 a troubled pre-release period marked by delays and controversies, Ubisoft previously reported strong preorder numbers, claiming they were 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 entry yet."

Assassin's Creed Shadows' release date has been pushed back multiple times, originally slated for November, then February 14th, before settling on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, not only as the long-awaited Japan-set installment and the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, but also as a crucial release for a company facing investor concerns following recent underperforming titles.

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