With early copies of Assassin’s Creed Shadows leaked this weekend, Ubisoft has already issued DMCA striking for content posted online.
In a world with many potential leaks of data and information, a new leak has surfaced across the web this weekend. Early copies of Ubisoft’s anticipated release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have allegedly already been sold. Multiple social media users were uploading images of physical copies and several gameplay photos. Ubisoft has already taken action by issuing DMCA striking on any non-released content related to the game posted online.
The official launch is still four weeks away, but photo/video evidence suggests that some people have real early copies of the game. Some users reported they obtained the copies through PlayStation Network errors or by receiving a physical copy through unknown ways and sources. Gameplay footage has shown off the stealth protagonist in the game, Naoe, fighting a group of armed men and the game’s opening loading animations and menu screen. There has also been a photo gallery detailing descriptions of Naoe’s weapon, Death Whisperer.
According to X (formerly Twitter) user @DannyStevens__, copies of Assassin’s Creed Shadows can be bought on Facebook Marketplace. However, there has not been any source to back up those claims. Stevens’ claims were backed up with pictures of the game’s case, the install screen, and several gameplay photos. Those images have since been deleted. So far, the claims of early physical and digital copies floating around with players have been through images and streams.
Despite Ubisoft’s actions to DMCA strike a lot of the content related to the leaks online, gamers hoping to grab one of these early copies of Assassin’s Creed Shadows should beware. While the leaked copies could be legit, people should be aware of fake sellers. Also, beware of spoilers out there too. There are unsubstantiated claims about the return of Animus Anomalies.
Other fans were not convinced these early copies of Assassin’s Creed Shadows were real, claiming all the photos and videos had been created as a hoax. Ubisoft did not state whether any versions of the early copies out there are real. With the recent PSN leaks and 24-hour system outage, it is possible that systems like PSN have cracks in their security. As for the physical copies, it is unclear how buyers have already bought them.
The 14th installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise has already been delayed twice now. It was supposed to launch in November 2024 but was pushed back to ensure cultural and historical accuracy to a new date of February 14, 2025. Then, it was pushed back a month again. For now, players should look forward to checking out the game at the official March 20th release date.
