Ubisoft Explains The Absence Of Animal Killing In Assassin's Creed Shadows

David

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Post on May 21, 2025

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Ubisoft Explains the Absence of Animal Killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage

Assassin's Creed Mirage, the upcoming installment in the long-running stealth-action franchise, has sparked discussion amongst fans due to the noticeable absence of animal killing mechanics. Unlike previous titles, players won't be able to hunt or kill animals in the game. Ubisoft has addressed this omission, providing insight into the design choices behind this significant change.

This decision isn't arbitrary; it's a conscious effort to refine the core gameplay loop and enhance the overall experience. Let's delve into the reasons behind Ubisoft's choice.

<h3>A Focus on Core Gameplay: Stealth and Assassination</h3>

Ubisoft has emphasized a return to the series' roots with Assassin's Creed Mirage. The game aims to deliver a more focused and streamlined experience centered around the core tenets of the franchise: stealth, parkour, and assassination. The developers felt that incorporating animal killing would detract from this refined gameplay loop and potentially dilute the overall feel of the title. By removing this element, they’ve been able to dedicate more resources to perfecting the core mechanics that fans have come to love.

<h3>A Narrative Choice: Basim's Journey</h3>

The narrative of Assassin's Creed Mirage follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. His journey and the narrative beats surrounding it are designed to drive the story and character development forward, and the inclusion of animal killing wasn't deemed necessary for this specific narrative. The developers want players to fully immerse themselves in Basim's story, and they felt that diverting gameplay focus with additional mechanics would lessen this experience.

<h3>Technical Considerations and Development Time</h3>

The development of a AAA title like Assassin's Creed Mirage, even one with a more focused scope, requires meticulous planning and resource allocation. Adding animal killing mechanics would have added significant development time and resources, potentially delaying the game's release or compromising other aspects of the game’s quality. By prioritizing the core gameplay loop, Ubisoft was able to optimize the development process and ensure a polished final product.

<h3>Community Feedback and Future Titles</h3>

While the absence of animal killing has been met with mixed reactions from the community, Ubisoft has acknowledged the feedback. This decision doesn't necessarily signal the permanent removal of animal killing mechanics from the franchise. Future Assassin's Creed titles may reintroduce this element, depending on the game's setting, story, and overall gameplay design. The company's focus remains on delivering high-quality, engaging experiences tailored to the specific game.

<h3>Conclusion: A Calculated Decision for a Refined Experience</h3>

Ubisoft's decision to remove animal killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage isn't a sign of neglecting a beloved game mechanic. Instead, it reflects a strategic choice to prioritize the core gameplay loop, enhance the narrative experience, and streamline development. This move allows the studio to deliver a refined and polished Assassin's Creed experience that harkens back to the series' origins, focusing on what makes the franchise truly special. While some fans may miss this element, the overall focus on core gameplay is likely to be appreciated by a large segment of the fanbase. The release of Assassin's Creed Mirage will ultimately determine the success of this approach.

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