Ubisoft reportedly quietly canceled an "Assassin's Creed" title set during America's post-Civil War Reconstruction Era last summer, with one of the reasons cited being the current political climate and sensitivity surrounding racial issues in the United States. 
According to a scoop from gaming outlet Game File, the information comes from anonymous interviews with multiple current and former Ubisoft employees. The unnamed project was originally set in the United States during the 1860s and 1870s. It was slated to tell the story of a Black man, formerly enslaved in the South, who gained freedom, moved West to rebuild his life after the war, and was then recruited by the Assassin Brotherhood to return South and fight for justice.
Reportedly, the game's narrative would have seen him directly confronting the rising Ku Klux Klan (KKK) of the era, engaging in a battle against oppression and racial violence.
Sources indicate that Ubisoft's Paris headquarters decided to terminate the project in the summer of 2024. The primary reasons cited were twofold: First, the backlash and online criticism from some players regarding the depiction of the Black samurai Yasuke following the reveal of "Assassin's Creed Shadows." Second, concerns among company executives about domestic political sensitivities in the U.S., believing the subject matter could spark controversy. 
"I'm very disappointed by the decision, but not surprised," one interviewed developer stated. "Executives are increasingly inclined to maintain the political status quo, refusing any creative risks that might be perceived as taking a stance."
The report also revealed that the game was still in early development and had not yet been officially named. However, the internal team was passionate about the subject matter, believing it could offer a rare historical perspective and character depth within the series. Following the project's cancellation, many developers felt demoralized, with some even choosing to leave the company.
In other Ubisoft news, the company recently made new moves. Its new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, established in partnership with Chinese tech giant Tencent, officially launched last week. Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot will lead the studio as co-CEOs. The studio is tasked with developing new projects, though specific directions have not yet been disclosed.
This news of Ubisoft reportedly shelving a new title due to "political concerns" has reignited public discussion about "political correctness" and the boundaries of creative freedom within the gaming industry.
via： Game File