Ubisoft Cancels Assassin's Creed Game About Ku Klux Klan Amidst Political Concerns

Ubisoft Scraps Controversial Assassin's Creed Game Concept

Ubisoft has reportedly shelved a highly anticipated Assassin's Creed title that was slated to explore the tumultuous post-Civil War Reconstruction era in the United States. The game, which would have featured a former slave as its protagonist battling the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, was canceled last year due to what sources describe as political sensitivities surrounding its setting and central theme.

A Narrative Ripe with Potential, Ultimately Deemed Too Risky

According to Game File, the project, codenamed internally, aimed to delve into the 1860s and 1870s, a period of immense upheaval as the nation grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War. Players would have stepped into the shoes of an emancipated Black man fighting for justice in the South, a region rife with nascent racist organizations like the KKK. Insiders suggest the game held immense narrative potential, offering a powerful and timely exploration of historical injustice. However, the company informed the development team of its closure in Paris during the summer of 2024.

Echoes of Shadows and a Shift Towards Caution

This decision appears to be influenced, at least in part, by the reception of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the upcoming installment featuring Yasuke, a Black samurai. The perceived backlash and ensuing online discourse surrounding the inclusion of a Black protagonist in a Japanese historical setting may have steered Ubisoft towards a more conservative approach. This has led to a disheartened sentiment among some developers, with one employee ironically observing, “Black samurai is fine. Black people in their actual historical context? Not so much.” Another insider expressed disappointment but not surprise, attributing the decision to a corporate desire to maintain political equilibrium and avoid taking creative risks.

Strategic Realignment and Foreign Investment Influence

The cancellation aligns with a broader strategic shift within Ubisoft. The company is actively reallocating its flagship franchises among its internal studios. This includes the recent launch of Vantage Studios in October, a new division backed by Chinese tech giant Tencent. Tencent's increasing stake in Ubisoft's key series, including Far Cry, Rainbow Six Siege, and Assassin's Creed, has drawn scrutiny, particularly following a dip in Ubisoft's stock value. The appointment of the CEO's son to lead Vantage Studios has only amplified attention on this partnership.

Navigating Sensitive Waters with Foreign Backing

Adding another layer to this cautious strategy is the recent release of the free DLC, Valley of Memory, for Assassin's Creed Mirage. Notably, this expansion was developed with support from Saudi Arabia. Given the presence of foreign investors and a heightened awareness of audience sensitivities, Ubisoft seems determined to steer clear of further controversial topics. And a game centered around the Ku Klux Klan would undoubtedly fall into that category, potentially alienating key stakeholders and a portion of its player base.