Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Online-Only; Physical Copies Require Internet for Installation [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Ubisoft has confirmed that an internet connection will only be required to install the game, not to play it.

UPDATE: Ubisoft has confirmed that though an internet connection will be required to install Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the game itself is not online-only, and will not require a connection to be played. Read the full story through here.

Original story follows: 

Amid some of the positive buzz for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft’s next mainline title in the franchise comes issues. According to its PlayStation Store listing, online play is “required,” which means you’ll need to connect to the internet to play it. Contrast this to last year’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage, where online play is “optional.”

If that wasn’t bad enough, those who purchase physical copies of the title will also need internet connectivity to install the title. This is according to listings on Best Buy, with the box art denoting the same. There is some concern, especially after Ubisoft’s recent controversy of delisting The Crew and even revoking licenses for those who purchased it.

If anything, it’s akin to Assassin’s Creed 2 on PC, which required constant connectivity due to its DRM and led to significant backlash. Time will tell how Ubisoft chooses to respond, so stay tuned.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is launching on November 15th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Check out more details on its lighting system, seasons and scale.

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