Shadows Leaked Ahead of Scheduled Launch

Some people have already managed to get physical copies of the new game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows before its official launch date on March 20. There are reports of one player actually streaming their gameplay online, and rest assured, no spoilers will be shared here.

Initially announced in 2022 as Project Red, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will take players on a thrilling journey through Japan, adding a new twist to the series. Players can switch between two main characters: the stealthy ninja Naoe and the fierce samurai Yasuke, who is inspired by a real historical figure. However, the inclusion of Yasuke has sparked some online debate, leading to mixed reactions from fans. Additionally, this game has faced its share of challenges, including two delays, originally pushing the release to November 2024. The latest headache for Ubisoft involves leaks of the game itself.

On February 24, multiple sources reported that physical copies of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows had somehow been leaked, with players purchasing and playing the game early. One user on Twitter claimed to have found a copy through Facebook Marketplace and even shared pictures of the game box alongside video footage of their gameplay. Importantly, Ubisoft acted quickly to remove these images and videos, which suggests they might have been legitimate.

Another user on Reddit also talked about having an early copy, playing on PS5, and sharing their experiences from the first hours of gameplay. Some players are reportedly sharing their gameplay on Twitch, but it seems that Ubisoft is promptly taking down these streams and erasing recorded archives.

A listing for the game also popped up on an online marketplace called Mercari, where an individual was allegedly selling copies for $100 each. The seller was shown holding several copies of Ubisoft’s new title.

This leak is likely the last thing Ubisoft needed, especially after facing delays, negative discussions, and complaints concerning the game’s quality based on early gameplay glimpses. Given the challenges it has faced, Ubisoft now finds itself in a tricky situation where they must manage the fallout from the leaks while preparing for the game’s release.

In my own early experiences with the game, I found Assassin’s Creed: Shadows intriguing and believe it has the potential to be one of the best entries in the series in years. But with the recent turn of events, it raises questions about what else Ubisoft will need to address before the game is officially available to the public on March 20. The situation feels quite pressing for the developers as they prepare for the game’s launch amidst ongoing discussions and leaks.