Ubisoft, the Paris-based video game publisher, is facing challenges on multiple fronts. The company recently delayed the release of its biggest game of the year, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” from November 12 to February 14 of next year. This announcement came amid an anti-DEI backlash that has sent the company into turmoil.
The financial shortfall is partly due to the delay and poor sales of “Star Wars: Outlaws.” The game, which features a female lead character, received solid reviews from professional critics but was review-bombed by players criticizing it for “forced DEI narratives” and its optional season pass model. CEO Yves Guillemot addressed the controversy, stating, “I want to reaffirm that we are an entertainment-first company, creating games for the broadest possible audience. Our goal is not to push any specific agenda.
We remain committed to creating games for fans and players that everyone can enjoy.”
The delay of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” which has also faced criticism for having a female ninja and a Black samurai as lead characters, is unlikely to quiet far-right critics.
Ubisoft confronts backlash and delays
The development team has defended their inclusion of diverse characters, explaining that Yasuke, a Black samurai, is an actual historical figure whose life they found compelling for an Assassin’s Creed story set in feudal Japan.
Despite the backlash, Ubisoft is committed to moving forward with the direction of the new “Assassin’s Creed.” The company announced it will give anyone who preorders “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” the first expansion for free. However, this might not be enough to appease some investors. Reuters reported that an activist investor pushing for the sale of Ubisoft claims support from 10% of the company’s shareholders.
The situation continues to develop as Ubisoft navigates the fallout from the backlash and its financial consequences. The company is undoubtedly in a tough spot, putting in an all-hands-on-deck effort to recover from recent missteps. Whether “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” will achieve success and help Ubisoft rebound remains to be seen.
