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Ubisoft Shows Video Reframing Assassin’s Creed Shadows Backlash at Paris Games Week

The short presentation touts a shift from arguing with detractors to rallying franchise loyalists to prove the game was “more of a video game than a message.”

Overview

  • CEO Yves Guillemot screened a 184-second, professionally narrated clip to industry attendees, saying the company had been asked to explain what happened.
  • The video’s narration describes a September 2024 pivot to stop focusing on “those who hated us” and to start “firing up our allies” by leaning on the Assassin’s Creed brand.
  • Ubisoft says it delayed Shadows to polish and optimize while releasing previews that emphasized stealth, leaps of faith, and lore to re-engage core fans.
  • The presentation labels earlier attacks as “fake fights,” yet the video does not explicitly acknowledge the racist backlash to the game’s Black co-protagonist.
  • Game File reports it obtained audio and a transcript of the clip and remarks, and a Ubisoft representative says the video may be shown internally rather than posted publicly.