Ubisoft's Bold Move: A Game That Never Was
In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft's plans for an Assassin's Creed game set in the post-Civil War era were abruptly canceled. This decision, shrouded in controversy, has sparked intense debates among fans and critics alike. But here's where it gets intriguing: the game's concept was a powder keg, ready to ignite a conversation about racial tensions and historical truths.
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has always explored significant historical periods, often venturing beyond American borders. However, the publisher reportedly aimed to delve into American history once more, specifically the Civil War and Reconstruction era of the 1860s and 1870s. The game's premise was ambitious, featuring a formerly enslaved Black man striving to build a new life, only to be entangled in the world of assassins and facing off against the KKK.
The developers were passionate about the project, believing it could shed light on how racial tensions are manipulated to control populations. Yet, Ubisoft, seemingly wary of potential backlash and the current political climate, decided to pull the plug.
For many, this cancellation is a missed opportunity. Assassin's Creed has previously tackled sensitive periods, such as the American Revolution and the French and Indian War, with games like Assassin's Creed 3 and Liberation. These titles featured diverse protagonists and explored racial dynamics, albeit with varying levels of sophistication.
The decision to shy away from a Black protagonist in the new game, due to concerns over negative reception, is perplexing. The argument that a Black protagonist wouldn't fit in a samurai-era game is one thing, but in the context of the Civil War era, it seems like a non-issue.
The current political landscape adds another layer of complexity. The U.S. government's stance on dissent and its efforts to control historical narratives through executive orders and funding threats have created a challenging environment for media that challenges the status quo. The idea of a game where a Black man takes on the KKK during the Reconstruction era would undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and criticism.
In a world becoming increasingly conservative, the reception to such a game could be harsh. The Trump administration's declaration to root out domestic terrorism threats, which includes anti-American, anti-capitalist, and anti-Christian sentiments, as well as support for overthrowing the government, would likely label a post-Civil War game as terrorist propaganda.
Ubisoft's hesitation to be perceived as too political is understandable, given the risks involved. While the company deserves credit for addressing sensitive subjects in the past, the stakes for getting the writing right in 2025 are much higher than they were in 2012.
And this is the part most people miss: the audience's readiness for such a bold narrative. The news of the game's cancellation on Reddit's gaming subreddit sparked such intense debate that moderators had to shut down comments within 24 hours.
So, is it time for media to take risks and address the issues of our time head-on? Or should developers play it safe to avoid controversy? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments; let's spark a discussion!
