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 originated from copies reportedly sold prematurely through online marketplaces and auction sites, with listings showing individual copies fetching $100. While streaming services are actively removing the leaked content, the damage is done. Ubisoft has been contacted for comment.

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This leak presents a significant challenge for Ubisoft, a company already facing considerable pressure. Despite the troubled development and marketing, Ubisoft previously reported strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, claiming they are comparable to those of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence, citing positive early previews that highlighted the narrative, immersive experience, and the dual protagonist gameplay. He praised the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment.

The game's release has been delayed multiple times, originally scheduled for November, then February 14th, before settling on the current March 20th date. The game carries high stakes for Ubisoft, not only as the long-awaited Japan-set entry and the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, but also as a crucial release for a company struggling after recent underperforming titles and investor discontent.

The promotional period has been marred by several controversies. The development team apologized for historical inaccuracies in the game's 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 due to its "insensitive" design. The recent leak adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for Ubisoft.