The announcement of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* has ignited controversy, particularly due to the inclusion of Yasuke and a female lead, Naoe, prompting racist backlash and criticism from parts of the gaming community. Marc-Alexis Coté defends the game’s commitment to diverse narratives that reflect historical authenticity. He acknowledges the challenges faced by creative teams amid hostility but emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback. Additionally, he discusses the difficulties of establishing a modern storyline since the end of Desmond’s arc.
Navigating the Storm of Controversy
The announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has sparked a wave of backlash, particularly due to the inclusion of Yasuke as one of the two main characters. This has unfortunately led to a barrage of racist comments. However, the game’s other protagonist, Naoe, has not been immune to criticism either. The choice to feature a female lead has drawn disapproval from certain segments of the gaming community. In response, Marc-Alexis Coté has expressed his thoughts:
“Assassin’s Creed strives to delve into the entirety of human history, which is inherently diverse. Remaining faithful to history entails embracing the richness of human experiences without compromise. […] Just as Yasuke’s role in Japanese history is undeniable, so too are the tales of women who rose against societal norms and took up arms during tumultuous times. The narratives of Naoe and Yasuke, while rooted in historical fiction, embody the intersection of various cultures, worlds, and roles. Their inclusion is exactly the type of story that Assassin’s Creed aims to tell—a narrative that captures the complexity and interconnectedness of our shared past.”
He further emphasized that the franchise has a long-standing tradition of featuring protagonists from a range of backgrounds and genders, making the characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows not a departure but rather a continuation of this legacy:
“This is not a new chapter for the series. From Altair to Aveline de Grandpré to Ratonhnhaké:ton, we have consistently introduced characters with diverse racial, ethnic, and sexual identities. History, just like Assassin’s Creed, is inherently varied. Our commitment to inclusion stems from a place of historical authenticity and respect for diverse viewpoints, rather than modern agendas.”
Despite these affirmations, the atmosphere surrounding the game remains charged with negativity, particularly on social media. Coté acknowledges the necessity of constructive feedback, but points out that it is often overshadowed by hostility directed at the creative team:
“Our community is vital for our growth, helping us to improve and create better games. Today, we face the challenge of discerning between genuine feedback and intolerant attacks. The current environment is challenging for our creative teams, who are often met with falsehoods and personal insults online. When their hard work becomes a symbol of division, it is not just disappointing; it can be devastating. What fuels my determination is the resilience of our teams, who remain committed to their creative vision and the core values of Assassin’s Creed.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows exemplifies a broader trend in the gaming industry, where many titles are met with similar hostility. Coté recognizes that this issue extends beyond just one game:
“The stakes are higher than ever. The narratives we create and the characters we introduce are being weaponized by those who aim to suppress creativity, instill fear, and foster hatred. We are currently navigating what Fareed Zakaria refers to as an ‘Age of Revolution,’ where the primary conflict lies not between political extremes but between societies that isolate themselves and those that embrace openness. Historically, it has been the open societies that have triumphed. While setbacks may arise over the years, it is this openness that has consistently propelled humanity forward.”
This powerful message stands in contrast to some of the more subdued remarks from Ubisoft’s management, though both perspectives agree that it is crucial to end the personal attacks against game development teams.
Challenges of Modern Storytelling in the Series
On a more positive note, Coté also addressed the complexities of crafting a narrative set in contemporary times, particularly since the conclusion of the Desmond storyline. The modern-day narrative was a foundational element of the series until Assassin’s Creed III, but since then, it has frequently felt secondary, if not completely overlooked. Coté admits this struggle and notes that the teams have been grappling to establish a clear direction since Desmond’s arc.
“The ongoing emphasis on characters from the past has made it challenging to weave a compelling modern narrative.”