No Animal Killing In Assassin's Creed Shadows? Ubisoft Explains

David

3 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.6

Share

No Animal Killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage? Ubisoft Explains the Design Choice

Assassin's Creed Mirage, the upcoming installment in the long-running stealth-action franchise, has generated significant buzz, and not just for its return to the series' roots. A notable feature, or rather, the absence of a feature, has sparked considerable discussion amongst fans: the lack of animal killing. Ubisoft, the game developer, has addressed this design decision, shedding light on the creative choices behind Mirage's surprisingly compassionate gameplay.

This departure from previous Assassin's Creed titles, which often featured the ability to dispatch both human and animal enemies, is a deliberate one. Instead of the usual array of lethal options, players will primarily focus on human targets. But why this significant shift?

A Return to Core Gameplay: Stealth and Assassination

Ubisoft's explanation centers on Mirage's commitment to a more focused and streamlined experience. The developers have explicitly stated that the decision to remove animal killing was made to enhance the core gameplay loop: stealth, assassination, and parkour. By removing the option to kill animals, the team believes they’ve created a more refined and narratively cohesive experience, better aligned with the game's intended atmosphere and Basim Ibn Ishaq's character arc.

"We wanted to really hone in on what makes an Assassin's Creed game feel like an Assassin's Creed game," said a Ubisoft spokesperson in a recent interview. "For Mirage, that meant focusing on the core mechanics and delivering a tight, impactful narrative. The removal of animal killing allowed us to refine the player experience and stay true to the spirit of the original games."

Ethical Considerations: A Silent Shift?

While Ubisoft's primary explanation focuses on gameplay, some observers suggest an underlying ethical consideration might have played a role. The gaming industry is increasingly scrutinizing its portrayal of violence, particularly towards animals. This move could be interpreted as a step towards a more responsible representation of violence in video games. While Ubisoft hasn't explicitly confirmed this, the change aligns with a broader industry trend toward increased sensitivity in game design.

Impact on Gameplay and Player Experience

This change will undoubtedly alter the gameplay experience for long-time fans accustomed to the wider range of interactions available in previous titles. Some players may miss the option, but others may appreciate the more focused and streamlined approach. This shift highlights Ubisoft’s willingness to experiment and evolve the Assassin’s Creed formula, even if it means making controversial decisions.

Here's what we can expect from the change:

• More focused gameplay: The elimination of animal killing allows players to concentrate on the core stealth and assassination mechanics.
• A tighter narrative: The absence of extraneous violence contributes to a more cohesive and immersive narrative experience.
• Potential for improved accessibility: The reduced violence might make the game more accessible to a wider audience.

The Future of Assassin's Creed: A New Direction?

Whether this marks a permanent shift in the Assassin's Creed franchise remains to be seen. However, Mirage's design choice signals a willingness to adapt and experiment, potentially influencing future installments in the series. The impact on the player base and the overall success of this design choice will undoubtedly be a significant factor in shaping the direction of the franchise going forward.

This change sparks important conversations about violence in video games and the evolving expectations of players. What are your thoughts on this decision? Share your opinions in the comments below!