Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has publicly condemned the online harassment directed at his employees and partners, highlighting it as a significant issue within the gaming community. In a recent interview published on the Ubisoft website, Guillemot expressed strong disapproval of these "malicious and personal online attacks," notably in response to backlash against the upcoming game, Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game's male protagonist, based on the historical Black samurai Yasuke, has stirred controversy and been targeted in broader harassment campaigns focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Guillemot emphasized the company's commitment to denouncing such hateful acts and encouraged others in the industry to do the same. He also discussed the potential of new technologies like generative AI and the cloud to revolutionize gaming experiences. Assassin's Creed Shadows is set for an early release on November 12 for Ubisoft+ Premium subscribers, with a general release on November 15.
What are Yves Guillemot's views on online harassment within the gaming community?Yves Guillemot strongly condemns online harassment, describing it as a major concern for the industry. He encourages both the industry and players to denounce such malicious and personal attacks, emphasizing that Ubisoft stands firmly against these hateful acts.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is the latest installment in the popular Assassin's Creed franchise. The game focuses on a male protagonist modeled after Yasuke, a historical Black samurai, aiming to offer a fresh narrative while promoting diversity. This direction has met with some resistance, prompting heightened discussions on representation in gaming. Ubisoft's enduring commitment to innovation is evident, with recent titles blending historical settings with imaginative storytelling and cutting-edge technology. The franchise's continued evolution mirrors its goals of both honoring the past and pushing the boundaries of player engagement and experience.
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Comments
Props to Yves and Ubisoft for standing up against online harassment—it's a conversation we desperately need. Really hope Assassin's Creed Shadows delivers an epic story and pushes boundaries in a positive way
Ubisoft's commitment to championing diversity through characters like Yasuke is a bold move that truly enriches the gaming landscape, despite the unfortunate backlash. It's refreshing to see industry leaders like Yves Guillemot taking a strong stand against toxic behavior, reminding us that gaming should be an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.
It’s encouraging to see Yves Guillemot taking a firm stance against online harassment, especially with such a bold move to center Assassin's Creed Shadows on a character like Yasuke. Ubisoft's dedication to diversity and innovation keeps pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from gaming narratives and technology.