Ubisoft acknowledged that players had accessed Assassin’s Creed Shadows before its planned March 20, 2025 release. The company said its team was still preparing patches, cautioned that leaked footage did not represent the game’s final quality, and asked players to avoid spoilers.
What Ubisoft said about the leak
In a response attributed to the official Assassin’s Creed account, Ubisoft said: “We are aware players have accessed Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead of its release. The development team is still working on patches to prepare the experience for launch and any footage shared online does not represent the final quality of the game. Leaks are unfortunate and can diminish the excitement for players. We kindly ask you not to spoil the experience for others. Thank you to our community for already taking steps to protect everyone from spoilers.” CNA reproduced the statement on February 24, 2025.
The message concluded: “Stay in the shadows, avoid spoilers, and keep an eye on our channel for more official surprises in the coming weeks!” No individual Ubisoft speaker was named in the report.
What was reported about early circulation
Ubisoft’s statement confirmed early player access, but it did not describe how copies or footage were circulating. GamesRadar reported that it independently verified a community-team message on the official Assassin’s Creed Discord. The outlet also described deleted social posts containing images and video from a person claiming to have obtained a copy, reports of copies appearing on a US auction site, and streamers playing the game before their streams were removed. These are outlet-reported details, not claims made in Ubisoft’s quoted response.
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#1 Best Overall
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Why the release date matters
The response came while March 20, 2025 was the scheduled release date. Ubisoft’s January 9, 2025 announcement set that date after delays, saying the team wanted additional weeks to implement feedback and refine the day-one experience. The leak response’s reference to ongoing patches was therefore framed as pre-launch work, not as a statement about a post-release update schedule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What players should take from the response
- Ubisoft acknowledged that players had accessed the game before its scheduled launch.
- The publisher said patches were still being prepared and that footage circulating online did not show the game’s final quality.
- Ubisoft asked players not to spoil the experience for others.
- Claims about auction listings, deleted posts, and removed streams came from GamesRadar’s reporting, rather than from Ubisoft’s statement.
For official release-platform information, Ubisoft’s technical Q&A lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft+ Premium, Amazon Luna, Mac, and PC storefronts.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
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- ENTER FEUDAL JAPAN - Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
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- MAKE INFORMATION YOUR WEAPON - Travel the world and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions
- BUILD A PLACE TO CALL HOME - Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s buildings layout, decorations, and accessories.
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