Yesterday, February 24, we reported that Assassin's Creed Shadows appeared online prematurely, with multiple unauthorized streams circulating nearly a month before its March 20 launch date.
Over the weekend – as highlighted by the GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit – now-removed social media posts revealed physical copies being sold early, while unauthorized streams surfaced on platforms including Twitch.
Ubisoft has officially addressed the leaks through the Assassin's Creed subreddit, confirming awareness of the situation and urging players to avoid spoiling the experience for others.
"We're aware some players have accessed Assassin's Creed Shadows before launch," Ubisoft stated. "Our team continues polishing the game with upcoming patches, and leaked content doesn't reflect the final product's quality.
"Premature leaks can dampen the community's excitement," Ubisoft continued. "We request players avoid sharing spoilers. We appreciate fans already helping protect others from spoilers.
"Stay wary of leaks, avoid spoilers, and watch our channels for official reveals before launch! March 20 will arrive shortly."
The leaks represent another setback for Ubisoft's flagship franchise. The developers previously apologized for improperly using a historical reenactment group's banner, followed by criticism regarding historical inaccuracies in Shadows' portrayal of Japan.
The game's launch has seen multiple delays – originally planned for November, then shifted to February 14, before settling on March 20. With disappointing sales of recent titles and investor pressure, Ubisoft critically needs Shadows to succeed.