Ubisoft’s ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Fights Back Amid Musk Controversy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ubisoft‘s latest installment in the Assassin's Creed franchise, Shadows, is at the center of a controversy fueled by outspoken billionaire Elon Musk and anti-woke sentiment in the gaming community. The backlash stems from the game’s inclusion of Yasuke, a Black samurai, prompting a defensive response from Ubisoft.

The conflict ignited when Mark Kern, a prominent critic of progressive messaging in video games, tweeted about a sponsored stream featuring popular leftist streamer Hasan Piker. Kern alleged Ubisoft was facilitating “terrorist-platforming” through their partnership with Piker. Musk quickly joined the conversation, labeling Piker a “fraud” and claiming he was promoting a “terrible game” for financial gain.

In a swift and viral company response, Ubisoft’s official account garnered significant attention by mocking Musk’s gaming credibility with a tweet referencing his embarrassing involvement in other gaming narratives. This prompted widespread celebration in the gaming community, with many applauding Ubisoft for standing up against attacks on their product and creators.

The interaction has escalated, with many gamers and developers voicing approval for Ubisoft’s responses. “It’s important for companies to support their employees and creations,” said Jessica Tan, a game developer who praised Ubisoft’s stance. “Seeing them call out such high-profile critics is unprecedented.”

Meanwhile, Shadows, which launched this past week, marks a significant moment for Ubisoft, which has recently faced criticism over game quality and layoffs. The company delayed Shadows multiple times, initially intended for a November 2024 release, hoping that additional development time would yield a successful game.

The games’ reception is mixed, with commentators like Stephen Totilo observing, “Even a mediocre performance could lead to significant changes at Ubisoft.” Shadows marks a departure from previous releases with its focus on the African samurai Yasuke and a young shinobi, Naoe. Critics note, however, that the franchise’s formula may feel stale, resembling previous installments rather than innovating new experiences.

Despite this, Shadows has emerged as the second-highest selling Assassin’s Creed game at launch, signaling that social media sentiment does not always reflect market performance. “The backlash surrounding the game has not harmed sales, proving that vocal online detractors don’t always represent the gaming community,” said Piker in a tweet responding to Musk’s initial comments.

As the feud continues, Musk’s previous comments about gaming and his plans involving artificial intelligence in game development face renewed scrutiny. Musk disparaged elements such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in gaming, claiming they detract from creativity. Activists and gamers alike are now questioning the implications of his influence on the industry.

Ubisoft’s resilience in the face of criticism serves as a critical reminder of the power of community support among gamers. As for the future of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, only time will reveal if its blend of history and controversy can cement its place alongside the franchise’s illustrious legacy.