AC Shadows Likely Final Nail in Ubisoft Coffin

The old adage, "I don't care what they're saying about me, as long as they're talking about me," rings hollow when applied to the modern video game landscape. Today, the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows has been met with a cacophony of social media noise, primarily focused on the game's queer "romance" options, effectively burying any discussion of its gameplay, narrative, or artistic merit.

As a player who has journeyed alongside the Assassin's Creed franchise for 18 years, since its inception in 2007, I find this shift disconcerting. Back then, the conversation revolved around the game's immersive atmosphere, its groundbreaking visuals, and the sheer thrill of its gameplay. The formula worked, and for years, it remained largely unchanged.

It wasn't until Assassin's Creed Odyssey that the introduction of more overt progressive "romance" options became a noticeable feature. However, this wasn't necessarily a sign of a sudden shift in Ubisoft's values. Even in earlier titles, subtle acknowledgments of diversity, such as pre-game messages affirming the developers' diverse backgrounds, hinted at a progressive ethos. This foreshadowed the now-commonplace content warnings we see on streaming platforms.

However, with Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the "plow sword" memes and the increasingly prominent focus on diverse romance options began to raise concerns. This trend, coupled with the recent revelations of workplace harassment within Ubisoft, raises questions about the company's internal culture and its influence on its creative output. The often-depicted, sterile, and oppressive office environments in earlier AC games, perhaps, weren't mere fiction.

Returning to Shadows, the game evokes a similar feeling to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, where the emphasis on non-heterosexual romance options feels overwhelming. It's not the inclusion itself that's problematic, but the disproportionate focus, especially in games lacking robust character creation tools. The "it's optional" defense falls flat. In a world of social media amplification, these choices become part of the character's identity, regardless of player selection. Yasuke, Fujibayashi Naoe, Hans Capon and Henry, the protagonists, are pre-defined characters, and their experiences, including romantic ones, shape their narrative.

It's tempting to speculate that Ubisoft, perhaps influenced by the post-2020 push for diversity and the influx of government funding, has leaned too heavily into this trend. While inclusivity is important, it shouldn't overshadow compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay.

For many, including myself, the Assassin's Creed series has been a cornerstone of our gaming lives. It's disheartening to witness this. In the ephemeral world of entertainment, few franchises maintain their relevance indefinitely. While I may choose to skip Shadows, the plethora of other games available offers ample consolation. The focus should always be on crafting immersive, engaging experiences, not on chasing fleeting trends or prioritizing social signaling over creative integrity.

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