Ubisoft CEO Condemns ‘Hateful Acts’ Against Developers Following AC Shadows Backlash
Following the backlash against the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has spoken out against the recent wave of online harassment directed at the game’s developers.
The Backlash Against Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced criticism for its inclusion of Yasuke, a historical figure who was the first Black samurai. Some have argued that including a Black character in feudal Japan is historically inaccurate, while others have defended the decision as an act of inclusivity.
The backlash has been particularly vocal on social media, with some users expressing their opinions in a hateful and personal manner.
Yves Guillemot’s Statement
In an interview on the Ubisoft website, Guillemot addressed the backlash against Assassin’s Creed Shadows and condemned the online attacks against the game’s developers.
“One thing I am concerned about right now is the malicious and personal online attacks that have been directed at some of our team members and partners,” Guillemot said. “I want to make it clear that we, at Ubisoft, condemn these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms, and I encourage the rest of the industry and players to denounce them, too.”
Guillemot also expressed his support for the developers’ creative choices and urged players to respect their work.
“I am proud to support the amazing work of our teams and partners, and I will always trust in their creative choices. We should all celebrate the hard work and talent that goes into making videogames.”
The Importance of Inclusivity
Guillemot’s statement is a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in the video game industry. Games should be a place where everyone feels welcome and represented, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other factor.
Industry Response
The backlash against Assassin’s Creed Shadows has sparked a wider discussion about the need for greater inclusivity in the video game industry. Many industry leaders have spoken out against the harassment and have called for a more welcoming environment for all.
Additional Comments from Yves Guillemot
In addition to his comments on the backlash against Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Guillemot also spoke about his excitement for the future of the video game industry. He pointed to technological advancements like generative AI and the cloud as potential game-changers for the industry.
“If, as game makers, we can adopt and master technological advancements like generative AI and the cloud more quickly, we will be much better positioned to create new, stand-out experiences for players,” Guillemot said.
Conclusion
Yves Guillemot’s condemnation of the online attacks against Assassin’s Creed Shadows developers is a step in the right direction for the video game industry. It is important for industry leaders to speak out against hate and harassment, and to promote a more inclusive environment for all.