GAMERTIMES

Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set to release on November 15, 2024, and will mark a significant milestone for the franchise. According to Karl Onnée, the lead producer, this game will have had a four-year development cycle, the longest in the series’ history.

In a recent interview with Gamesindustry.biz, Onnée elaborated on why he believes four years is the ideal timeframe for developing a new entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. He emphasized that this extended timeline allows the development team to thoroughly iterate on their ideas and incorporate valuable feedback, ensuring that the final product is polished and well-received.

“It’s always a balance between time and costs, but the more time you have, the more you can iterate,” Onnée explained. He acknowledged that while increasing the size of the team could potentially speed up development, it wouldn’t necessarily allow for the same depth of iteration and refinement. For him, the four-year cycle strikes the right balance between creating something new and having the time to perfect it.

Set in 16th century Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has generated considerable attention, not just for its extended development but also for some of its creative choices. The game features Yasuke, a Black samurai, as one of its protagonists. This choice has sparked a mix of reactions online, with some critics, including high-profile figures like Elon Musk, expressing concern over what they perceive as the game’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In response to this discourse, Ubisoft released a statement on social media clarifying its approach. The company emphasized that the Assassin’s Creed franchise has always been inspired by history rather than attempting to offer a strictly accurate portrayal of it. Ubisoft’s goal is to ignite players’ curiosity and encourage them to explore the historical settings that inspire the games, rather than presenting these settings as precise historical records.

As Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches its release, it stands out not only for its extended development cycle but also for the conversations it has sparked regarding representation and historical accuracy in gaming. Whether the longer development time will pay off in terms of quality and player reception remains to be seen, but the game is already making waves ahead of its launch.