Ubisoft Cancels Highly Anticipated Assassin’s Creed Game Set in Post-American Civil War Era Due to Political Concerns

Ubisoft recently made headlines when it cancelled the development of a new Assassin’s Creed game. This game was set in the Reconstruction era, right after the American Civil War. Players would have taken on the role of a Black former slave fighting for justice in a South facing the rise of the Ku Klux Klan.

Reports suggest the cancellation was partly due to backlash over the character Yasuke, a Black samurai featured in the latest Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This backlash highlighted ongoing debates about diversity and representation in gaming.

Five current and former employees shared their thoughts with Game File. They expressed excitement about the project but felt frustrated with its abrupt end. Word of the cancellation traveled from Ubisoft’s Paris office last July, influenced by negative reactions to Yasuke and concerns over the political climate in the U.S. One source summed it up as “too political in a country too unstable.” Another expressed disappointment, noting that leadership is avoiding risks and opting for a safer approach.

Marc-Alexis Coté, the head of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, spoke to Eurogamer about this backlash. He emphasized the importance of engaging in tough conversations about representation. “Assassin’s Creed explores the full spectrum of human history,” he said. “Staying true to history means embracing diverse perspectives.”

Interestingly, this is not the first time Ubisoft’s decisions faced scrutiny. Games have become a battleground for social discourse. For instance, a survey by the International Game Developers Association found that 49% of developers believe that diversity impacts the content and community of video games. This underscores the balancing act studios face between creative expression and audience perception.

Recently, Ubisoft announced a new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, funded by Tencent. This studio will manage well-known franchises, including Far Cry, Rainbow Six Siege, and Assassin’s Creed. In another recent move, Ubisoft revealed the Saudi-funded DLC “Valley of Memory” for Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, developers must navigate the complexities of culture, politics, and audience expectations. The conversation about representation in games is likely to grow, influencing future projects and how stories are told.

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