Disclosure: WigSec purchased this game for review purposes. The developer and publisher have no editorial input on this content.
The Basics
Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Digital Deluxe Edition) Platform: PC (Ubisoft Connect), PlayStation, Xbox ESRB Rating: M for Mature 17+ (blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, strong language) Price Model: One-time purchase with season pass content; in-game store for cosmetics Online Features: Ubisoft Connect required, optional online features
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. Players alternate between two protagonists—a shinobi and a samurai—through an open-world historical action game. The series is known for blending historical settings with science fiction conspiracy narratives.
Content Considerations
Mature content throughout:
Intense violence: This is an assassination game. Players kill extensively with swords, hidden blades, and various weapons. Combat includes decapitations, dismemberment, and blood spray. Stealth kills are graphic.
Historical violence: Feudal Japan was brutal. The game depicts warfare, executions, and the violence of the period. Some players find historical context educational; others find it disturbing.
Sexual themes: The series has historically included romantic subplots and suggestive content. Previous entries featured optional sexual encounters (implied, not explicit).
Strong language: Period-appropriate and modern profanity throughout.
Dark themes: The series deals with conspiracy, betrayal, moral ambiguity, and questions about free will versus control. The science fiction frame narrative involves genetic memory and secret organizations.
Online and Privacy Exposure
Ubisoft Connect is mandatory and represents the primary privacy consideration.
Ubisoft Connect required: You cannot play without a Ubisoft account. This means:
- Email address required
- Username and profile creation
- Agreeing to Ubisoft’s privacy policy
- Account linking to Steam/platform accounts
- Gameplay data collection and syncing
Always-online concerns: Recent Ubisoft titles have required internet connections for single-player games. Check current requirements—this may affect offline play.
In-game store: Ubisoft games feature premium currency (Helix Credits) and cosmetic microtransactions. This creates spending pressure.
Social features: Ubisoft Connect includes friend lists, activity feeds, and cross-game tracking of achievements and playtime.
Data collection: Ubisoft collects extensive gameplay telemetry. Their privacy practices have been criticized for being aggressive compared to industry norms.
Privacy Settings to Configure
Ubisoft Connect Account
- Use a dedicated email address (not your child’s primary email)
- Non-identifying username
- Two-factor authentication (protects account and any linked payment methods)
- Privacy settings:
- Log into Ubisoft Connect
- Navigate to Account Settings → Privacy
- Set profile visibility to Private or Friends Only
- Disable activity sharing
- Review data collection toggles and minimize where possible
- Marketing opt-outs: Disable promotional emails and partner sharing
Steam Level (if PC)
- Profile to Private or Friends Only
- Game activity to Friends Only
In-Game Settings
- Disable telemetry/analytics if option exists in settings
- Review online features and disable those not needed
- Parental controls for purchases if the platform supports it
Payment Protection
- Don’t save payment methods in Ubisoft Connect
- Use platform-level parental controls to restrict purchases
- Discuss the in-game store before they encounter it
Talk to Your Kid About
If they’re under 17: The M rating is appropriate. The violence is intense and graphic. This isn’t suitable for younger teens.
If they’re 17+:
- Historical context: Feudal Japan was a violent period. The game depicts this with varying accuracy. It’s entertainment, not a documentary.
- The Ubisoft account: Explain why you’re using a dedicated email and privacy settings. This is a teaching moment about corporate data collection.
- Microtransactions: The in-game store will push cosmetics and time-savers. Discuss spending expectations before they start playing.
- The series’ themes: Assassin’s Creed deals with moral ambiguity, questioning authority, and conspiracy. These can prompt interesting discussions.
Bottom Line
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a mature game requiring mature audiences. The violence is graphic, the themes are complex, and the M rating is earned. Content-wise, this is appropriate for older teens who can handle historical violence and dark narratives.
The primary privacy concern isn’t the game content—it’s Ubisoft Connect. The mandatory account, aggressive data collection, and always-online requirements represent more privacy exposure than many comparable games. Configure the account carefully, use a dedicated email, and review privacy settings thoroughly.
The microtransaction store also warrants attention. While cosmetic-only, it’s designed to encourage spending. Set expectations before your teenager starts playing.