Ubisoft has confirmed reports of early access to its forthcoming game, Assassin's Creed Shadows, with some players managing to play the game and leak gameplay footage on various platforms prior to its official release scheduled for March 20. The French video game publisher acknowledged the situation via social media, stating, "We are aware players have accessed Assassin's Creed Shadows ahead of its official release." The company urged fans to refrain from sharing spoilers, emphasizing the footage circulating online does not represent the game's final quality.
Originally slated for release on November 15, Assassin's Creed Shadows has faced multiple delays, initially pushed to February before settling on the March release window just ahead of the company's fiscal year-end. These delays come against the backdrop of Ubisoft experiencing significant revenue drops due to underperforming new releases, which raised many concerns about the studio's financial future.
Reports indicate some players gained access to physical copies of the game, which are believed to have been printed earlier than expected, allowing them to grab copies from retail outlets and online marketplaces. Unconfirmed accounts also suggest some players managed to download the game from the PlayStation Store before its official launch.
Alongside these leaks, pieces of gameplay footage have begun appearing online, even as Ubisoft attempts to remove these videos. The existence of early copies and various gameplay streams has the potential to spoil the narrative and gameplay experience for fans eagerly awaiting the game's launch. Ubisoft reassured fans, stating, "the development team is still working on patches to prepare the experience for launch" and reiterated their request for people to avoid spoilers to preserve the integrity of the game.
Despite the leaks, interest remains high for Shadows, particularly as it marks the franchise's first foray set in Japan, which fans have long desired. The game features two playable protagonists—a female ninja named Naoe and Yasuke, based on the historical figure often referred to as the "African samurai." This representation has sparked dialogue within the gaming community, balanced between appreciation for diversity and calls for greater authenticity within character design.
Ubisoft has faced scrutiny leading up to the launch of Shadows, especially following the disappointing performance of recent titles such as Star Wars Outlaws, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and the pirate-themed game Skull & Bones. Following these setbacks and reduced expectations, Ubisoft's CEO Yves Guillemot emphasized the need for the company to undergo significant restructuring, as financial pressures mount.
Players who have managed to experience early access have expressed mixed reviews. Although some gameplay issues appear minimal, the response touches on the fierce scrutiny the game will face due to its high expectations. This new installment follows the latest release, 2023's Mirage, which was intended as an expansion for 2020's Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Feedback from pre-launch previews indicates promise, with fans hopeful this installment will deliver both the excitement and narrative depth characteristic of the series. Many are particularly intrigued by the incorporation of historical elements alongside classic gameplay mechanics. Still, the impact of pre-release leaks raises concerns about the game's perceived quality, especially with Ubisoft's financial future on the line.
Ubisoft remains proactive, stating, "Leaks are unfortunate and can diminish the excitement for players," as they continue to monitor and respond to the leaks. They request community support to safeguard anticipated elements from potential spoilers, reminding players to stay engaged with official channels for accurate updates and announcements.
March 20 is shaping up to be a pivotal day for both Assassin's Creed Shadows and Ubisoft. Will the game meet expectations, or will it add to the company's challenges? Only time will tell as the release date approaches.