Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot has openly addressed the intense backlash toward the open-world samurai-ninja adventure Assassin’s Creed Shadows, claiming that the shift from “gameplay to ideology” was responsible for its delay from November 15, 2024 to February 14, 2025.
According to a November 5 Game File report, Guillemot showed a video to an audience of games industry insiders during the first day of Paris Games Week, which ran from October 30 to November 2 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The video was 184 seconds long, professionally narrated, and detailed Ubisoft’s response to the vitriol the company faced.
“What happens when a legendary franchise reveals one of its most anticipated experiences? … Only to become the game everyone loves to hate?” the narrator asks at the start of the video. “When conversation shifts from gameplay to ideology? When everything you say only adds fuel to the fire? And when the voices you thought were with you actually turn against you.”
It’s interesting to see how community feedback can influence game development. Ubisoft’s decision to delay AC Shadows shows they’re listening to their audience, which is important in today’s gaming landscape. Looking forward to seeing how they address the concerns raised!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how player reactions can shape a game’s direction. This situation highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in game design, especially when dealing with historical figures like Yasuke. It’s a reminder that developers need to balance creative vision with community expectations.