In the wake of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveal, Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, has spoken out against the “malicious and personal online attacks” directed at the game’s developers. The upcoming entry in the Assassin’s Creed series, set in feudal Japan, introduces dual protagonists: Black samurai Yasuke and a fictional female shinobi named Naoe. This announcement has stirred significant controversy online, drawing attention from prominent figures, including Elon Musk.
Industry Reaction and Online Backlash
The announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has not been without controversy. Online reactions have been mixed, with some praising the game’s innovative approach while others criticize the perceived push towards greater diversity in video games. This backlash is part of a broader trend in the industry, where efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) often face resistance from certain segments of the gaming community.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, weighed in on the controversy with a post stating, “DEI kills art.” And it was not the first time Elon just throwing punches on his comment. This comment has sparked significant debate, reflecting the polarized views on DEI initiatives within the gaming community. Marc-Alexis Côté, the franchise boss of Assassin’s Creed, expressed his disappointment in Musk’s remarks, emphasizing that the game should be judged on its merits rather than preconceived notions about diversity.
Yves Guillemot’s Stand Against Online Harassment
In a recent interview published on Ubisoft’s website, CEO Yves Guillemot condemned the personal online attacks directed at Ubisoft staff. Without mentioning Assassin’s Creed Shadows specifically, Guillemot expressed his concern over the growing trend of malicious behavior within the gaming community.
Guillemot urged the entire video game industry to take a stand against online harassment. “One thing I am concerned about right now is the malicious and personal online attacks that have been directed at some of our team members and partners,” he stated. “I want to make it clear that we, at Ubisoft, condemn these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms, and I encourage the rest of the industry and players to denounce them, too.”
Arya Kamandanu