In a current landscape where nuance and debate appear scarce, some publishers are compelled to adopt drastic measures, as evidenced by recent developments at Ubisoft ahead of the release of their highly anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. According to reports from BFM Tech & Co and journalist Melinda Davan-Soulas, Ubisoft has taken steps to safeguard its employees from potential online hostility. This comes after the game faced numerous controversies since its announcement, particularly regarding the character Yasuke, a black samurai who has been widely questioned both by the public and in Japan. Given this highly charged environment, Ubisoft is advising its staff not to disclose their association with the company publicly to shield them from harassment and related risks.
An employee of the group notes that they are advised not to display their affiliation with Ubisoft on social networks to avoid harassment. “This is an initiative from Canada,” explains an elected official. It involves psychological support and legal assistance being provided to employees who might be targeted. Ubisoft has established a team to closely monitor social networks for rapid response and to take legal action in cases of abuse and proven harassment. While this decision may not win Ubisoft any new friends, it is crucial for preserving the psychological health of its employees and work partners. The French publisher is currently at a critical turning point for its future, with some suggesting the creation of a new structure (with assistance from Chinese giant Tencent) to save its most important historical licenses, while other intellectual properties might be sold to other publishers. According to rumors, both Microsoft and Electronic Arts are already showing interest…
As we delve into the current challenges faced by Ubisoft, it’s worth considering another significant development within their expansive universe: the highly anticipated return to form of Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Ahmed Hassan’s insightful piece, published on September 12th, explores how this upcoming game marks a shift back to classic gameplay mechanics after several years away from the annual release cycle. Set in the bustling Baghdad under the Abbasid Caliphate, Mirage promises a dense urban environment that emphasizes parkour and stealth—core elements of the franchise that have been refined over three years of development. Whether you’re excited by this return to roots or skeptical about its direction, be sure to check out Assassin’s Creed Mirage: It’s a Return to Roots, But the Game Will Divide Players for a deeper dive into the game’s ambitious vision. For those seeking a breath of fresh air in the gaming world, Carlos Mendoza’s blog post titled “Avatar Frontiers of Pandora: New Gameplay Video Reignites Hype Around the Game,” published on September 14, 2023, offers an exciting look into Ubisoft’s upcoming title. Initially met with mild interest upon its announcement in 2021, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has recently seen a surge in anticipation following a captivating gameplay reveal during a State of Play event. Dive into the world of Pandora and explore its rich culture and customs alongside a Na’vi protagonist navigating their identity between tribal origins and human upbringing. This promising game, set for release on December 7th, 2023, promises a unique blend of exploration and combat across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Be sure to check it out Avatar Frontiers of Pandora: New Gameplay Video Reignites Hype Around the Game for more details. As the gaming world continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, another exciting development in the franchise has emerged. Sophie Laurent explores the unveiling of Assassin’s Creed Jade (August 23, 2023), a mobile game set against the backdrop of Imperial China. Developed by Level Infinite studio and showcased at Tencent’s “Into the Infinite” conference, this ambitious project promises an immersive open-world experience complete with stealth missions and historical intrigue. Fans are eagerly anticipating more details as the game emphasizes adaptability and contextual movement for its assassins. Dive into the story behind this intriguing new entry in the series by checking out Sophie’s insightful piece Assassin’s Creed Jade: Eight Months After Leaks, China-Set Episode Unveils First Official Gameplay Trailer.
