Mainstream Games Media Downplays Assassin’s Creed Shadows Leak That Introduces Battle Pass
The Assassin's Creed series, once renowned for its sprawling historical adventures, but more recently, embroiled in Yasuke controversies, is apparently taking a TERRIBLE step forward with its upcoming (delayed) installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows.
According to newly leaked information on reddit, the game will feature a battle pass system for the first time in the franchise's history. This move has ignited debate among a ton of now very pissed off fans, with many seeing it as yet another instance of unnecessary monetization in an already premium-priced game.
What We Know
The leak, shared across all of social media before being aggressively scrubbed by Ubisoft, reveals that Shadows is going to offer a battle pass containing 20 "free" tiers of rewards. These tiers will grant players access to various cosmetic items, including character costumes, weapon skins, and new designs for mounts—items that are reminiscent of the optional cosmetics offered in previous Assassin’s Creed games through Ubisoft Connect or standalone DLCs.
Players reportedly progress through this so-called "battle pass" by completing daily missions housed within a new feature, the Animus Hub. This hub, teased by Ubisoft as a cornerstone of Assassin's Creed Infinity, serves as kind of like a connective branch between games and aims to streamline elements such as the modern-day narrative and ongoing live-service updates.
While some could say that daily and weekly challenges have been a staple of Ubisoft titles in the past, Shadows looks set to integrate these more seamlessly into gameplay, consolidating them in the Animus Hub. The leaked artwork shows Yasuke standing within this hub, suggesting players will interact with the system through their character avatar.
Ubisoft has yet to officially confirm these details, but the swift takedown of leaked materials to me, completely confirms their legitimacy. They look legit and not fan made.
A Battle Pass in Assassin's Creed: Necessary Innovation or Overreach?
The inclusion of a battle pass has already completely pissed off the fanbase. The community views it as an unwelcome encroachment of live-service monetization into a franchise that historically focused on single-player experiences. There is literally NO reason for this to exist except to try and squeeze additional money out of susceptible gamers.
This leak raises some larger questions about the direction of Assassin’s Creed under Ubisoft’s new live-service model. Does the Animus Hub signal a shift away from the immersive historical narratives that defined the series, or will it successfully enhance them, as promised by franchise lead Marc-Alexis Coté? I think we all know the answer to that...
Eurogamer and the Access Media Problem
Adding more fuel to the controversy is how certain gaming outlets, including Eurogamer, are handling the story. Eurogamer covered the battle pass leaks... but then took the unusual step of disabling replies to their coverage on social media. This move has drawn criticism from myself... and fans across the board - who see it as an attempt to stifle any kind of potential dissent and keep control the narrative.
Disabling replies, a tactic I've seen increasingly employed by some media outlets, raises those pesky questions about real transparency and the role of the press in holding publishers accountable. By turning off replies, Eurogamer is CLEARLY acting in Ubisoft’s interest to maintain their "access media" privileges—early access to games, exclusive interviews, and other perks that rely on favorable relationships with publishers.
This kind of behavior highlights that growing issue we always chat about within the video game industry: the lack of transparency between publishers, the press, and the audience. While outlets report on these stories, their reluctance to fully engage with the community on controversial topics completely undermines their credibility. It fosters a big suspicion that the outlet prioritizes maintaining relationships with publishers over delivering unbiased coverage.
UbiSlop Partnerships
The inclusion of a battle pass in Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a comical moment for the flailing franchise, signaling Ubisoft’s deeper commitment to live-service models over player enjoyment. The decision has not been without backlash, with many fans questioning its impact on the series’ core identity. Meanwhile, the actions of outlets like Eurogamer prove there's a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability in games "journalism".
As Ubisoft prepares to officially unveil Shadows, the reaction to these leaks serves as a litmus test for just how far the gaming community is willing to embrace—or more likely reject—these kinds of moves. The real battle may not be within the game itself, but between developers, journalists, and the players they claim to serve.
~Smash
