Key Takeaways
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- Ubisoft prioritized their fanbase and the Assassins Creed brand, responding to controversy with transparency and open communication.
- The company demonstrated a willingness to listen to feedback and make changes, resulting in a more positive reception for Assassins Creed Shadows.
- Ubisoft empowered critics and content creators to voice their opinions, fostering confidence and advocacy among fans.
- By addressing the controversy head-on, Ubisoft was able to regain fan support and restore confidence in delivering a desired game experience.
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Ubisoft Wins Back Fans with Open Approach to Controversy in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
During Paris Game Week, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot addressed the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Guillemot stated that the backlash had shifted the focus from the game itself to its perceived message, which surprised him. In September 2024, Ubisoft changed its approach, choosing to prioritize its fanbase and the Assassin’s Creed brand rather than engage with detractors. The company postponed the game and began showcasing it more openly. In a matter of weeks, Ubisoft developed hundreds of assets, sharing gameplay details and providing playtest opportunities for press and content creators. This strategy helped Ubisoft win back the fanbase, who then became advocates for the game, helping the company overcome negative commentary and take creative risks. This approach also fostered confidence among critics, empowering them to voice their opinions, even when facing opposition. Ultimately, Ubisoft succeeded in securing fan support and restoring their confidence in delivering the game fans wanted.
In Case You Missed It
In an unexpected yet thrilling twist, Jonathan Dubinski has been keeping us on our toes with his latest pieces! First up, he’s got us eagerly awaiting the big screen debut of Arden Cho and May Hong in “KPop Demon Hunters Reunite in Live-Action Film” (published November 3rd). These talented actresses, known for their iconic roles as Rumi and Mira respectively in the beloved animated series, are set to ignite the silver screen with their chemistry in “Perfect Girl,” a tense thriller following a K-pop group navigating the cutthroat world of competition. With a powerhouse cast including Peter Lee Jae Yoon and Jeon Somi, this film promises to be a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike – don’t miss it! KPop Demon Hunters Reunite in Live-Action Film
Meanwhile, in other exciting news from the Nintendo universe, Jonathan Dubinski has just dropped a hot new trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on his blog. Published earlier this month, the post gives us a sneak peek into Samus Aran’s latest adventure, scheduled to hit both Switch versions on December 4th. Get ready to explore uncharted worlds, face off against menacing alien wolves and robotic foes, all while cruising in style on Samus’ mean motorcycle. Check it out here: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Receives New Trailer for Nintendo Switch 2 Version
But wait, there’s more! Midway through our dive into gaming industry trends, we couldn’t help but notice another fascinating tale unfolding. Just last week, Sophie Laurent reported on the shutdown of Bad Brain Game Studios (“Bad Brain”), founded by Ubisoft veterans and backed by NetEase. In her insightful piece, “Bad Brain Game Studios Shuts Down Following NetEase Funding End” (published November 6), Laurent explores how this Toronto-based studio’s closure is part of a larger pattern of strategic changes in NetEase’s global publishing strategy. Dive into the article here Bad Brain, Formed by Ubisoft Veterans, Shuts Down Following NetEase Funding End to learn more about what this means for Midnight Riders, its intellectual property, and the future of game development in Canada.