A new report reveals that Ubisoft has cancelled an Assassin’s Creed game set during the American Civil War, reportedly due to concerns over potential controversy. According to a report from Game File, this title would have represented the most contemporary setting in the franchise’s timeline, extending into the 1870s, a significant period when America was grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era.
The game was said to feature a black male protagonist, a former slave from the southern United States. His journey would have involved a return to his home region to combat ongoing injustices. Notably, the storyline was expected to address the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan, reflecting the serious social issues of the time.
Sources indicate that Ubisoft executives considered the project too risky, particularly in light of current political tensions in the United States. The decision was influenced by the backlash surrounding the introduction of Yasuke, a black character from the game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, which had already stirred some controversy among fans.
Frustration among the development team is evident, as insiders reportedly expressed disappointment over the cancellation, suggesting that Ubisoft succumbed to the fear of backlash rather than allowing the project to move forward. This cancellation marks the first public acknowledgment of the Civil War-themed game, although there have been previous hints that Ubisoft is developing multiple Assassin’s Creed titles at various stages, including a remake of the popular game Black Flag.
As the gaming community reflects on this news, many are left to ponder the implications of such decisions in a landscape increasingly sensitive to social issues. Would an Assassin’s Creed game that tackled the complexities of post-Civil War America have resonated with players? The decision highlights a growing concern in the industry about navigating potentially polarizing topics.
Ubisoft has not yet released an official statement regarding the cancellation, leaving many fans wondering about the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and its willingness to engage with challenging historical narratives.