Assassin's Creed Shadows: Why Ubisoft Forbade Killing Animals

David

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Post on May 21, 2025

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Assassin's Creed Shadows: Why Ubisoft Forbade Killing Animals – A Deeper Dive into Ethical Gameplay

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's controversial animal killing mechanic sparked debate amongst players, but it wasn't the first time Ubisoft grappled with ethical concerns in their popular franchise. Many fans remember the unique absence of animal killing in Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London, a mobile title. This article delves into the reasons behind Ubisoft's decision, exploring the game's design choices and the broader implications for ethical considerations in video game development.

The Curious Case of Shadows of London

Unlike its mainline counterparts, Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London, set in Victorian-era London, notably lacked the option to kill animals. This wasn't a mere oversight; it was a conscious creative decision by the developers. While players could engage in stealth and combat against human enemies, harming animals was completely absent from the gameplay mechanics. This unique approach raised questions, particularly amongst players accustomed to the more brutal aspects of other Assassin's Creed games.

Ubisoft's Reasoning: A Blend of Design and Ethics?

While Ubisoft never explicitly stated a single, definitive reason, several factors likely contributed to the decision to exclude animal killing:

• Game Design and Tone: Shadows of London focused on a more investigative and detective-like gameplay loop. The grim atmosphere of Victorian London, filled with poverty and crime, might have made the inclusion of animal killing feel tonally jarring and out of place. The game prioritized a specific atmosphere, and gratuitous violence against animals wouldn't have fit that aesthetic.

• Target Audience and Accessibility: Shadows of London was a mobile game, targeting a broader audience than the mainline console titles. This broader audience might include younger players, making the exclusion of animal killing a conscious decision to maintain a more suitable rating and avoid potentially controversial content.

• Ethical Considerations: The increasing awareness of animal welfare and ethical gaming practices likely played a role. The decision to omit animal killing could be interpreted as a step towards more responsible game design, reflecting a growing sensitivity towards depicting violence against animals in interactive media. This aligns with a wider trend in game development towards more thoughtful representation of violence. Games like What Remains of Edith Finch demonstrate how impactful narrative can be achieved without relying on graphic depictions of violence.

Comparing Shadows of London to Other Assassin's Creed Games:

The absence of animal killing in Shadows of London stands in stark contrast to games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, where hunting animals is a core gameplay mechanic. This difference highlights the evolving nature of game design choices and the varied approaches Ubisoft takes depending on the specific title and target audience. Valhalla's hunting, while controversial to some, is presented within a different context – survival and resource gathering within a more open-world setting. Shadows of London's tighter, more focused narrative didn't require or benefit from this mechanic.

The Future of Ethical Considerations in Game Design

Ubisoft's decision in Shadows of London, whether intentional or not, sparks a larger conversation. The gaming industry is increasingly grappling with ethical considerations, from violence and representation to environmental impact. The debate surrounding animal killing in games, as seen with Valhalla's hunting, reflects this broader discussion. We can anticipate further evolution in the way developers approach these ethical considerations in the future.

Conclusion:

While we may never receive a definitive, official statement from Ubisoft, the absence of animal killing in Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London is a fascinating case study in game design choices. The decision likely stemmed from a confluence of factors, including game tone, target audience, and a growing awareness of ethical considerations within the gaming industry. This discussion highlights the ongoing evolution of responsible game development and the increasingly important role of ethical considerations in shaping player experiences.