In response to the recent controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has taken a firm stand against the recent wave of racist backlash directed at the game.
Since its reveal in May, the game has faced criticism for its inclusion of Yasuke, the first Black samurai. Guillemot has been vocal about the “malicious and personal attacks” directed at the team members and has called for unity across the gaming industry to combat such behavior.
Ubisoft’s CEO Speaks Up and Calls Out Backlash Against Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Guillemot addressed the issue in a recent company interview that was posted on the Ubisoft website. He expressed deep concern over the backlash and hate directed at the studio’s staff and partners.
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.
The inclusion of Yasuke, a historical figure, has unfortunately sparked attempts to delegitimize his role, veering into racism and harassment.
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.
He emphasized that such behavior has no place in the gaming community or any industry, urging both players and industry peers to join him and the studio in condemning these acts unequivocally.
I am proud to support the amazing work of our teams and partners, and I will always trust in their creative choices. We should all celebrate the hard work and talent that goes into making videogames.
He highlighted his support for the creative choices made by the teams, urging others to celebrate the hard work and talent involved in game development.
Guillemot’s public condemnation is notable in an industry where studio leaders often remain silent during such controversies.
Guillemot’s comments aim to reassure both players and the developers’ commitment to a respectful and inclusive gaming environment.
The Game is Doing Fine Pre-Release Despite the Backlash
The backlash against Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t an isolated incident but part of a larger issue within the gaming industry. Online harassment, particularly targeting diversity and inclusion efforts, has been a persistent problem.
Guillemot’s statement is a call to action for the entire industry to take a stand against such behavior and support a more inclusive community. In the same interview, he also confirmed that there are new remakes coming for older titles.
Even with all of this, the game continues to trend. The game’s collector’s edition quickly sold out, and pre-orders are performing well.
Guillemot’s condemnation of the racist backlash is a critical moment for the gaming industry. It highlights the importance of standing against hate and supporting creative freedom.
As the game approaches its November release date, the focus will no doubt shift to more important things as it attempts to bring the franchise back from its rocky state.
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