The Assassin's Creed Shadows map might have already been teased, with codebreakers solving a cipher to reveal a potential link to Kyoto and Osaka

Assassin's Creed Shadows
(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Assassin's Creed Shadows might have already revealed its world map, via ciphered numbers posted on Twitter.

Just earlier this week, Ubisoft announced Assassin's Creed Red had been renamed to Assassin's Creed Shadows, and a full reveal for the game is coming later today, May 15. Since then, the main Assassin's Creed Twitter account has been having a bit of fun with its followers, inputting a series of numbers that have been continually expanding and updating over the past two days.

Twitter sleuth Access the Animus reckons these numbers are part of a cipher to do with an X and Y axis graph. When converted to and translated from Japanese, the numbers seemingly represent a shape for users. What this shape is, however, is now the hot topic of discussion among players. 

In the tweet below, Access the Animus reasons that the image corresponds to a part of the regional map of Kansai. The image does look pretty convincing - it's even got the little offshoot to the right that somewhat resembles Mie prefecture. If the map is accurate, Assassin's Creed Shadows could stretch from Kyoto in northern Kansai to Wakayama in the south.

We don't have long to wait to find out if this guesswork is accurate. Ubisoft will be unveiling Assassin's Creed Shadows later today at 9 am PT/12 pm ET/5 pm BST.

Elsewhere, the Assassin's Creed Shadows release date might've already been leaked by Ubisoft itself. According to the imminent trailer's since-updated YouTube placeholder description, the new game is set to launch later this year on November 15. 

Check out our new games 2024 guide for a look over all the other titles that'll be launching this year and beyond.

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.

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