Assassin’s Creed Shadows has surfaced online ahead of schedule, with gameplay streams appearing nearly a month before its planned launch.
As reported by the GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit, since-deleted social media posts showed screenshots and gameplay footage from an individual claiming to have purchased the game through an online marketplace. The title also briefly appeared in removed listings on a U.S. auction platform, where multiple copies allegedly sold for $100 each according to TheGamer.
Several Twitch streams featuring Assassin’s Creed Shadows have now emerged, though platform moderators are gradually removing them per VGC's reporting. The official release remains scheduled for March 20, 2025. IGN has reached out to Ubisoft for comment.
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This leak presents another challenge for Ubisoft, which has encountered multiple obstacles with Assassin’s Creed Shadows since its announcement. Earlier this month, the publisher maintained that preorder numbers remain strong despite the game's rocky development and marketing cycle.
In its recent financial disclosure, the financially strained company stated that "preorder performance aligns with Assassin's Creed Odyssey's figures," referencing the franchise's second most successful installment.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot reiterated confidence in the project: "Early previews highlight the game's compelling narrative and immersive experience, particularly praising how both protagonists contribute meaningfully to the storyline through their distinct but complementary gameplay styles."
"I must recognize the extraordinary effort from our Assassin’s Creed development team, who are committed to delivering what promises to be the most ambitious series installment to date," Guillemot added.
The title has faced multiple delays - originally slated for November, then postponed to February 14 before settling on its current March 20 launch window.
Considerable expectations weigh on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, serving not only as the long-anticipated Japanese setting debut and first mainline entry since 2020, but also as a critical commercial test for Ubisoft following recent disappointments and investor concerns.
However, the marketing campaign has faced multiple controversies, including developer apologies regarding historical representation inaccuracies and unauthorized use of a cultural group's flag.
The situation escalated further when collectible manufacturer PureArts withdrew an "insensitive" character statue from its product lineup following public backlash.
