War never changes
- by Robert Ramsey
An Assassin’s Creed game set during and after the American Civil War? It apparently existed, according to a fresh report from Game File.
We write ‘existed’ because the project was apparently cancelled last year, and the details are only just starting to drip out of Ubisoft.
More specifically, this would have been the most modern Assassin’s Creed title to date in terms of the series’ overall timeline, taking place as late as the 1870s, when post-war America underwent its Reconstruction period.
Apparently, the game would have featured a black male protagonist — a former slave from the south of the country. The story would see the lead return there to continue his fight against injustice, and there’s even a mention of the Ku Klux Klan.
However, sources say that Ubisoft management deemed the project to be too controversial — or at least, potentially controversial.
It’s claimed that current political tensions in the US influenced the publisher’s decision, as well as the online backlash that sprung up around the reveal of Yasuke — the black protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Game File writes that its sources were left “frustrated” with the cancellation, suggesting that Ubisoft had given in to the fear of controversy.
It should be noted that this is pretty much the first we’ve heard of such a project, although previous whispers have claimed that Ubisoft has multiple Assassin’s Creed titles in various stages of development. That includes the all-but announced remake of Black Flag.
What do you make of this? Would you have been interested in an Assassin’s Creed game set after the Civil War? Send Ubisoft a query in the comments section below.
[source gamefile.news]
Robert (or Rob if you’re lazy) is an assistant editor of Push Square, and has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Persona, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Trails, Tales — he’s played ’em all. A little too much, some might say.
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Rumour: American Civil War Assassin’s Creed Game Cancelled Due to Fear of Controversy
The Context behind the Rumour
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has a storied history, exploring diverse past periods with immersive storytelling and stealth gameplay. Recently, whispers in gaming communities have suggested that a planned American civil War Assassin’s Creed game was cancelled. The alleged reason? Fear of backlash due to the complex and sensitive nature of the Civil War era in American history.
While Ubisoft has not officially confirmed these claims, the rumour has gained traction from insiders and fans concerned about how the game might portray contentious themes such as slavery, racial tensions, and political conflict associated with the Civil War period.
Why Would the American Civil War Setting Be Controversial?
The American Civil War (1861-1865) remains one of the most polarizing periods in United States history. It involves topics that are deeply sensitive, including:
- Slavery and emancipation
- Racial injustice and systemic discrimination
- The ideological divide between North and South
- Legacy and memory of confederate symbols and figures
Portraying such a turbulent era in a video game format-especially one renowned for blending fact with fictionalized narratives-could stir notable controversy. This could lead to negative media attention,divisive online discourse,and community backlash.
Video Game Industry & Sensitive Historical Topics
Modern video games increasingly tackle mature narratives, but sensitive historical topics require careful handling. Some challenges include:
- Balancing realism and respectful representation.
- Avoiding glorification of sensitive or violent historical figures.
- Ensuring diverse cultural perspectives are portrayed sensitively.
- Managing community reactions around political and social themes.
Potential Reasons Behind Ubisoft’s decision
If the rumours hold any weight,several factors might have influenced Ubisoft’s choice to cancel or indefinitely delay the project:
- Fear of Controversy: The American Civil War carries potent cultural and political symbolism that might alienate parts of the fanbase.
- Market Sensitivity: Launching a game in today’s socially conscious climate requires extra care to avoid misinterpretation or offense.
- Creative Limitations: Developing a nuanced narrative without oversimplifying or offending any group is exceptionally challenging.
- Precedent Concerns: Ubisoft might be wary due to past controversies in the gaming industry concerning sensitive historical events.
- Risk Management: negative PR could impact the reputation of the assassin’s Creed franchise and Ubisoft’s brand.
What we certainly know About Assassin’s Creed’s Historical Game Settings
Assassin’s Creed has a proud tradition of exploring pivotal historical eras, including:
| Title | Historical Period | Region | Notable themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed III | American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) | Colonial America | Revolution, freedom, espionage |
| Assassin’s Creed unity | French Revolution (1789-1799) | Paris, France | Liberty, equality, fraternity |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) | Ancient Greece | War, mythology, politics |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | Viking Age (9th century) | England, Scandinavia | Exploration, conquest, cultural clash |
This legacy shows Ubisoft is capable of handling rich historical narratives. Yet the American Civil War’s modern-day reverberations could present a unique challenge.
Community Reaction and Fan Expectations
The Assassin’s Creed fanbase is highly passionate about lore and historical authenticity. Early rumblings about a Civil War game created excitement for many but also sparked concerns, including:
- How will the game address slavery and race relations?
- Will the narrative be balanced between Union and Confederate perspectives?
- Could the game risk glorifying controversial figures or ideologies?
- How will the studio handle the politically sensitive material without alienating players?
Online forums and social media have been buzzing with debates about these possibilities. Many gamers emphasize the importance of responsible storytelling in such a volatile historical context.
Practical Tips for Game Developers Treading Sensitive Historical Topics
- Extensive Research: Deep dive into multiple historical sources and perspectives.
- Consult Historians and cultural Experts: Collaborate with professionals to ensure nuanced portrayals.
- Player sensitivity Options: Add in-game options to contextualize sensitive content or skip controversial scenarios.
- Clear Communication: Set expectations openly with the community about the approach to delicate subjects.
- Respectful Marketing: Avoid sensationalism when promoting contentious themes.
Case Study: Assassin’s Creed III & Its Handling of Controversy
Assassin’s Creed III,set during the earlier American revolutionary War,tackled political upheaval and colonial conflict. It was praised for its immersive world but also faced critique for its portrayal of Native Americans and simplistic treatment of slavery.
The game’s reception highlights the fine line between engaging historical storytelling and the risk of oversimplification-an issue Ubisoft likely considered too critical to risk with a Civil War setting.
Fan Speculations: What Could Have Made the Cancelled Game Unique?
Despite the cancellation rumours, fans imagined exciting possibilities, such as:
- Playable dual protagonists from both Union and Confederate sides, offering multiple perspectives.
- Integration of real historic events like the Emancipation Proclamation and the Battle of Gettysburg into the storyline.
- A complex narrative exploring the assassin-templar conflict woven into the abolitionist struggle.
- A richly detailed open-world environment including historical cities like Richmond, Washington D.C., and Charleston.
Exploring the Assassin Archetype in Civil War Context
The Assassin in the series is frequently enough characterized as someone eliminating corrupt figures for political or social justice reasons, analogous in some ways to an assassin’s historic role as a politically motivated killer [[1]] [[2]]. In an environment riddled with complex moral questions, such as the Civil War, the Assassin’s Creed narrative framework could explore profound themes of loyalty, ideology, and sacrifice.
Summary Table: Rumoured Game Features vs Potential Challenges
| Feature / Aspect | Potential Benefit | Associated Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| dual Protagonists (Union & Confederate) | Balanced narrative perspectives | Risk of moral ambiguity upsetting players |
| Representation of Slavery | Historical accuracy and education | High risk of controversies and backlash |
| Political Themes | Engaging and layered storytelling | Complex to portray sensitively |
| Open World Civil War America | Immersive, unique setting | Difficult to maintain historical fidelity and appeal |
Conclusion: What the Rumour Means for Assassin’s Creed Fans
Although the American Civil War Assassin’s Creed game cancellation remains unconfirmed by Ubisoft, this rumour underscores the complexity of developing games around sensitive historical events. It also highlights important conversations within gaming communities about the balance between immersive storytelling and responsible representation.
For now, fans can look forward to Ubisoft’s upcoming titles, hoping that future projects continue the series’ tradition of deep historical narratives delivered with respect and care.
