Introduction

This week marks a significant milestone for Ubisoft as they prepare to launch 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows', the franchise's largest release in half a decade. For the first time, the game transports players to the enchanting world of feudal Japan, pitting culture against a backdrop of high-stakes adventure.

Controversy Over Character Lineup

However, the road to this much-anticipated release has been riddled with controversy. Since the unveiling of the game's premiere trailer nearly a year ago, 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows' has faced a storm of backlash over its character lineup, particularly the inclusion of Yasuke, a historical black samurai, as one of its two central protagonists. Critics have questioned historical accuracy—debating Yasuke's status as a samurai—and have expressed skepticism regarding the choice of a black lead in a Japanese historical setting. Some have suggested that a character like Jin Sakai from 'Ghost of Tsushima' would have been a more suitable lead, especially considering the other main character in 'Shadows' is a Japanese woman. This controversy is seen as connected to the current cultural climate, where anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sentiments have gained traction.

Preparing for Harassment

The backlash has escalated to the point where Ubisoft is now preparing for potential harassment against its developers post-launch. A recent report from Canada's BFMTV revealed that some anonymous Ubisoft staff members have shared internal protocols aimed at safeguarding their well-being. Employees have reportedly been advised to refrain from sharing their association with Ubisoft on social media to mitigate the risk of targeted harassment. To further support their team, Ubisoft has instituted a comprehensive anti-harassment plan, collaborating with Canada's Communications Security Establishment (CSE), which offers psychological and legal aid.

Industry Trends and Concerns

This unusual precaution highlights a worrying trend in the gaming industry, where developers of games perceived as 'woke' or 'politically correct' are often subjected to personal attacks and online brigading. There have been cases where developers' styles, such as their choice of clothing or hair color, have been scrutinized and criticized as indicative of a so-called 'problem' in gaming culture.

Implications for Ubisoft and Future Releases

As Ubisoft braces for the response to 'Assassin’s Creed Shadows', the company’s internal dynamics remain a point of interest. Whether or not employees will adhere to the proposed social media protocols is uncertain, but the scrutiny over Yasuke’s prominent role is likely to ignite further debate. Interestingly, this controversy may spill over into the upcoming release of the female-led 'Ghost of Yotei', initially set to feature a male protagonist. As the gaming community grapples with these themes, it’s clear that the pushback against DEI initiatives in the industry shows no signs of abating, particularly in the U.S., where it has gained unprecedented visibility.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the unfolding stories in gaming and how cultural sentiments shape the industry's future!