Assassin's Creed franchise boss Marc-Alexis Coté has addressed the online backlash surrounding the main characters of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the subsequent impact it has had on the game's development staff, and attempts to Bad faith commentators disrupt and dissuade creative teams. from telling stories starring diverse and inclusive characters in general.
Speaking tonight in London, at an event hosted by BAFTA and attended by Eurogamer, Coté offered a full defense of his team's work on Shadows, which has come under such notable criticism this year, particularly for the inclusion of the black samurai Yasuke as one of the game's two protagonists. Coté has addressed the topic before, notably when X owner and billionaire Elon Musk commented negatively on the topic, but never before in such a passionate manner, in such detail, and at such length.
Discussing the current “changing cultural landscape,” Coté described current “discussions around representation and inclusion in media” as an additional and previously unforeseen challenge. “These conversations can influence how our games are perceived, but instead of shying away from those conversations, we should see them as an opportunity,” he explained.
“Assassin's Creed has always sought to explore the full spectrum of human history, and by its very nature, that history is diverse. Staying true to history means embracing the richness of human perspectives, without compromise. For example, in Assassin's Creed Shadows, highlights figures, both fictional like Naoe, a Japanese warrior, and historical, like Yasuke, the African-born samurai. While the inclusion of a black samurai in feudal Japan has raised questions and even controversy, Naoe, as a fictional character. , has also faced scrutiny for her gender.
“We have consistently featured protagonists of diverse racial, ethnic and gender identities.”
“And this is not new territory for the franchise,” he said. “From Altair to Aveline from Grandpré to Ratonhnhaké:ton [the protagonists of Assassin’s Creed 1, Liberation and Assassin’s Creed 3 respectively]we have consistently featured protagonists of diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities. History is inherently diverse, just like Assassin's Creed and the stories we tell. “To be clear, our commitment to inclusion is based on historical authenticity and respect for diverse perspectives, not driven by modern agendas.”
Coté's tone seemed notably different from Ubisoft's last vague mention of “polarized comments” from company boss Yves Guillemot, who raised eyebrows in September when he told investors that Ubisoft was “a company that prioritizes entertainment, which creates games for the widest possible audience, and Our goal is not to push any specific agenda.” Guillemot's comments followed a similarly vague blanket apology from Ubisoft for “some elements of our promotional materials.” [that] have caused concern within the Japanese community”, which also stated that “while Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin's Creed Shadows, we recognize that this is a topic of debate and discussion.” Guillemot had previously condemned the “malicious online attacks and personal” issues addressed by the Shadows development team following the game's reveal.
“Alongside these deeply held franchise values is our commitment to recognizing and listening to legitimate criticism as an essential part of the creative process,” Coté said tonight. “Our community helps us grow, evolve and deliver better games. However, today, we all face the added challenge of distinguishing between genuine comments and attacks driven by bigotry.
“The current climate is tough on our creative teams,” he continued. “They face lies, half-truths, and personal attacks online. When the work they put their hearts into becomes a symbol of division, it's not only discouraging, it can be devastating. What keeps me going is the resilience born from the belief that I see our teams every day. I'm especially proud of the Shadows team for staying true to their creative vision and the founding principles of Assassin's Creed.
“Our creative teams face lies, half-truths and personal attacks online.”
“By casting Naoe and Yasuke as protagonists, we are expanding the narrative landscape, offering new points of view that challenge the established norms found in many works of fiction, while staying true to the story that shaped them. At the end of the day , Assassin's Creed is not just a franchise, it is a platform for entertainment, dialogue, discovery and understanding Our commitment is not just about reflecting on the past, but ensuring that the stories we tell continue to unite, inspire and inspire. challenging the players, regardless of what happens their background, and we will continue to uphold these values because they are fundamental to the heart of the franchise and, I think, to the future of storytelling itself, ultimately, we believe that diversity and. “The richness of the human experience is what matters. It helps Assassin's Creed resonate with gamers around the world, and we are committed to standing on that foundation.”
Coté noted that Assassin's Creed has featured universal themes “such as resistance to tyranny and the preservation of knowledge and identity” since its inception, and that it has always presented an initial message acknowledging the game as a work of fiction created by a diverse team. in both. their background and beliefs. “From the beginning, Ubisoft has embraced this diversity,” said Coté. “Assassin's Creed is more than just a game. It can be a platform for meaningful exploration and reflection wrapped in the excitement of unforgettable gameplay, and it is that fusion of creativity, diversity, immersion and fun that continues to define the franchise and connect it” . with players from all over the world.
Coté closed with a broader reflection on the repression of creative freedoms in general, as cultural differences become increasingly divisive.
“Today the stakes are higher,” Coté said. “The stories we tell, the characters we create, and the game worlds we build are instrumentalized by those who seek to silence creativity, stoke fear, and incite hatred. I believe we are faced with what Tom Phillips Fareed Zakaria calls it an “Age of Revolution,” a time in which the real conflict is not between left and right, but between societies that are closing and those that are opening to the world. Throughout history, it is open societies that have always prevailed. While there may be setbacks over years or even decades, it is openness that has continually propelled humanity forward.
“When we self-censor in the face of threats, we surrender our power, until freedom and creativity wither.”
“This reflects the selfless bravery of our Assassin's Creed protagonists,” he continued. “They fought for freedom, knowledge, and the right to chart their own paths, just as we, as creators, fight to tell stories that matter in an increasingly divided world. As the authors of 'How They Die' so powerfully stated democracies': Democracies fall apart when good people choose to remain silent. I think the same thing happens with our creative freedom when we allow fear to stifle our voices. When we self-censor in the face of threats, we give up our power, little by little. piece, until freedom and creativity fade away. We cannot allow that to happen. It is time for us, as creators, to remain steadfast in our commitment to our values, telling stories that inspire, challenge and help people. people to connect.
“To our players, those who have supported us, supported us, and celebrated our work over the years with enthusiasm and constructive feedback, this stance is for you,” Coté concluded. “You are the heart of our journey. We create for you, and your support fuels our creativity and strengthens our resolve to continue pushing boundaries, to tell stories that matter. This journey is as much yours as it is ours, and I thank you for being with us every step of the way. I am an optimist and a dreamer. I believe that the answer to hate is to continue creating experiences that celebrate the richness of our world and capture the magic of our collective imagination, because in the end, creativity is stronger. than fear and together we are creating the future of entertainment.
Eurogamer previously sat down with Assassin's Creed Shadows art director Thierry Dansereau to discuss the game's adaptation to Japanese culture, the pressures of social media, and Ubisoft's controversial apology. “Of course we're making creative decisions,” Dansereau told me. “It's a video game.”