The release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, scheduled for March 20th, was rocked by an unexpected leak. Physical copies of the game began circulating before the official release date, allowing players to share images, videos, and even plot details on social media.
- Leak reveals details about the return of Verdansk in Warzone and Resurgence mode
- Steel Hunters opens beta test with prizes, new mechs and promotions
The incident raises concerns about security in game distribution and reignites debates about the impact of leaks on the industry. Ubisoft has not yet officially commented on the incident, but has already indicated that it will take measures to contain the dissemination of the content before its release.
Physical copies of Assassin's Creed Shadows are being resold, fueling speculation about the leak.
Last weekend, users reported receiving advance copies of Assassin's Creed Shadows, without any official announcement from Ubisoft or the publishers. Soon, physical copies began appearing on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and Mercari, selling for around $100.
It's unclear whether the issue was caused by a PlayStation Network error or whether the leaked copies were sourced from a distribution chain. However, photos posted by players show the game's packaging and screenshots of the installation process on the PlayStation 5, confirming the authenticity of the products.
The resale of these copies raises a red flag about the parallel game market, which often exploits leaks to profit from high demand from eager consumers. The case also highlights the vulnerability of distribution systems, which have faced similar incidents in the past.
Players approve of the game, but warn about bugs in the initial version
However, even with the unexpected leak, players are praising Assassin's Creed Shadows in their first impressions. Players who have already tested the game highlight that it could be one of the best titles in the franchise in recent years, bringing back successful elements from Black Flag and Valhalla, such as the Animus Anomalies.
The story takes place in feudal Japan and features two playable protagonists: Yasuke, a samurai of African descent, and Naoe Fujibayashi, a ninja descended from one of the most respected clans in Iga. The narrative explores the initial rivalry between the characters, who later become allies in the fight for the unification of Japan.
However, players have reported that the leaked version of the game still has technical glitches, indicating that the title has not yet received the launch patch. This is common with major releases, where developers make final adjustments before the official release.
Ubisoft faces challenges and attacks before launch
The leak comes at a delicate time for Ubisoft, which has faced several challenges in recent months. Development on Assassin's Creed Shadows has been delayed multiple times, an attempt by the company to avoid the same commercial failure as Star Wars Outlaws.
Furthermore, Ubisoft has been the target of criticism since revealing Yasuke as the protagonist. The character's choice sparked racist attacks online, forcing the developer to take a stand against hate speech. The studio also recently carried out a wave of layoffs, affecting 185 employees, creating uncertainty about its future projects.
Now, Ubisoft must deal with the impact of the leak and find ways to mitigate the spread of spoilers. The company could take measures such as blocking accounts that share game clips or expediting the release of the patch for players who already have the game.
Spoilers spread and affect the fan experience
With physical copies in circulation, spoilers for Assassin's Creed Shadows have already begun to surface on social media and forums. Story snippets, mission details, and previously unreleased mechanics have been shared, worrying players who want to discover everything for themselves.
For those who want to avoid surprises before the official premiere, the recommendation is to filter keywords on social media and avoid YouTube and Twitch channels where the game may be broadcast.
The expectation now is to see how Ubisoft will react to the leak and whether the company can contain the damage before the official launch. With a month to go until the release, the challenge will be to prevent the hype surrounding the game from being undermined by the already revealed content.
