Assassin’s Creed franchise boss, Marc-Alexis Coté, recently spoke out against the online backlash faced by the main characters of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In a passionate defense of his team’s work, Coté highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity in storytelling, particularly in the gaming industry.
Coté emphasized that Assassin’s Creed has always aimed to explore the full spectrum of human history, which inherently includes diversity. He pointed out that the inclusion of characters like Naoe, a Japanese woman warrior, and Yasuke, a Black samurai, reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of our shared history. By showcasing protagonists from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities, the franchise stays true to its values of historical authenticity and respect for diverse perspectives.
The challenges faced by creative teams in the current cultural landscape were also discussed by Coté. He acknowledged that the teams often encounter lies, half-truths, and personal attacks online, which can be disheartening and devastating. Despite this, Coté commended the Shadows team for staying true to their creative vision and the core principles of Assassin’s Creed.
Furthermore, Coté highlighted the broader societal impact of stifling creative freedoms and self-censorship in the face of threats. He encouraged creators to stand firm on their commitment to values and continue telling stories that inspire, challenge, and connect people. Coté emphasized that creativity is stronger than fear and expressed optimism about the future of entertainment.
In conclusion, Coté thanked the players for their support and emphasized that their enthusiasm fuels the creativity of the team. He reiterated the importance of pushing boundaries, telling stories that matter, and celebrating the richness of the world through collective imagination. Coté’s message to continue creating experiences that combat hate with creativity resonates with the core values of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Overall, Coté’s remarks shed light on the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and creative freedom in storytelling, particularly in the gaming industry. By addressing the challenges faced by creative teams and emphasizing the need to push boundaries, Coté reaffirmed the commitment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise to unite, inspire, and challenge players worldwide.
