Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is already listed among the year’s most problematic releases. Reports suggest that new developers were brought onto the project when a fresh problem emerged, stirring questions about the game’s readiness and direction.
The Steam community drew attention to a clause in the license agreement. It states that players should be granted access to RAM monitoring so the game can observe third-party applications in the PC’s RAM and, if detected, transmit data to Ubisoft, including the owner’s IP address.
Proponents say RAM monitoring could help maintain game stability and deter cheating. Critics warn that this approach grants the game unusual access to live system memory and could become a backdoor for data leakage or misuse, especially if the security layers fail. In practice, such a mechanism would push the boundaries of what a game can legitimately inspect on a player’s machine, raising concerns about consent, transparency, and the potential for unintended data collection.
What is clear is that the clause has unsettled many players. The idea that a game might monitor what runs in memory and relay details back to the publisher raises questions about consent, control, and the boundaries of fair use in software terms. Gamers worry about who accesses the data, how it is stored, and whether it could be exploited during a breach or sold to third parties in the future.
There is a concern that the requirement cannot be waived; this is presented as a prerequisite to running Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.
“Monitoring RAM and sending information back to Ubisoft is a bit crazy.”
“The only logical explanation for this is that Ubisoft wants to be hated even more.”
“How the hell is this even legal?! Why is this necessary in a SINGLE game?!
To be honest, players rarely look at the user agreement when purchasing a particular game, but sometimes you can find much more interesting terms in it. But in the case of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, distrust towards the project is so great that gamers begin to read every line.
On February 14, the title is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, bringing the franchise into a new era of accessibility and ambition while keeping the privacy debate in the spotlight.
Earlier previews highlighted refined stealth mechanics and more detailed gameplay systems, signaling a strong emphasis on stealth and tactical play. The demonstrations showed enhanced AI, quieter movement, and more versatile gadget use, appealing to fans while raising additional questions about how the game handles data and memory usage.
The marketing visuals also emphasize a bold, action-oriented approach, underscoring Ubisoft’s intent to deliver a high-impact experience even as privacy concerns continue to swirl around the release.
The discussion around Shadows underscores a broader trend in modern gaming: players want clarity on what data is collected when a game runs and how it is used. In North America, both the United States and Canada have evolving privacy regimes that put some pressure on publishers to justify data practices, especially when software asks for intrusive access. While developers argue that such measures can improve security and performance, the risk of missteps remains real, and players are increasingly vigilant about consent and control over their own systems.
As the launch approaches, comparisons to other titles that tested limits on data collection rise in conversations online. Fans are weighing the benefits of enhanced anti-cheat and performance safeguards against the potential for overreach and unintended exposure. The balance between delivering a seamless, competitive experience and respecting player privacy is at the heart of the debate surrounding Shadows.
The experience promised by Shadows leans heavily into intense, cinematic combat and stealth-driven missions. The public-facing materials project a world where a single expedition may hinge on timing, environmental awareness, and clever use of tools, rather than brute force alone. Even as some players celebrate the game’s design intent, others remain cautious about the underlying data practices that could shape future releases across the industry.
A bold, armored operative stands against a stark backdrop, hinting at the game’s signature blend of tactical infiltration and high-stakes action that Ubisoft aims to deliver in Shadows.