Just when you thought the latest Assassin’s Creed controversy couldn’t get any more tangled, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed—again. Ubisoft insists it’s so they can incorporate player feedback. But many fans suspect it’s more to do with serious allegations at their Indonesian studio, which include claims of workplace abuse.
Either way, players now have to wait until 20 March 2025 for the series’ newest instalment. But in a twist of events, Ubisoft has apparently leaked the first DLC—and it sounds pretty promising, provided you can actually play it.
A 10-Hour DLC: Claws of Awaji
According to info briefly posted on the game’s Steam page, the first downloadable content is called Claws of Awaji. Here’s the gist:
- A brand-new region: Awaji, an island steeped in Shinto mythology
- Around 10 hours of extra gameplay
- Unlockables: New weapons, skills, gear, and abilities
Ubisoft quickly removed the listing, but not before it raised a few eyebrows. One detail implied that this sizeable expansion might only be available to players who pre-order the game. That’s an unusual move for such a major DLC—and it’s left some fans confused.
No Paywalls on Launch Day—But Questions Remain
Off the back of a backlash to Star Wars Outlaws for its heavy reliance on paid content, Ubisoft now says Assassin’s Creed Shadows won’t lock any launch-day content behind a paywall. Great news, but the disappearance of that DLC info from Steam suggests there’s still a fair bit of chaos behind the scenes.
If Claws of Awaji ends up being free, it could indicate Ubisoft is truly listening to players. And given the continued controversies around Shadows, a goodwill gesture is definitely needed.
Controversy at Every Turn
This game can’t seem to avoid drama. Gamers initially slammed the “unrealistic” depiction of ancient Japan (citing a black man and a woman as leading characters) despite Ubisoft pointing out it’s “historical fiction.” The studio has also been accused of lifting a sword design from the anime One Piece and even using a historical re-enactment group’s flag without permission in its art book.
With the game already labelled “woke” by some corners of the internet—and the swirl of workplace scandal—Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most divisive entries.
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