Ubisoft Has Reportedly Prepared Lawyers & Anti-Harassment Plan for ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Developers

Ubisoft is set to launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, a game that marks a new chapter for its popular open-world series. However, the excitement around the release has been overshadowed by ongoing criticism and hostility, largely aimed at the game’s depiction of Yasuke, an African samurai and one of the two main characters. With the launch just days away, reports suggest Ubisoft has put a detailed plan in place to shield its developers from online harassment.

The backlash against Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been loud and persistent. Much of it stems from Yasuke, a historical figure who served as a samurai under Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga in the 1580s. Some players and online critics have attacked Ubisoft for including him, accusing the company of historical inaccuracy or pushing a “woke” agenda.

This has led to a wave of negative comments, particularly from so-called “anti-woke” groups, across platforms like X, Reddit, and YouTube. The controversy isn’t new for Ubisoft, but employees say this time feels different—more intense than past reactions to the franchise.

To tackle this, Ubisoft has reportedly teamed up with Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to create what’s being called an “anti-harassment plan.” According to an unnamed employee speaking to French outlet BFMTV, “It’s an initiative from Canada. There’s a team that monitors networks and acts quickly in the event of a targeted attack. Unlike what we’ve had before, this is serious.”

A special unit is said to be watching social media and video platforms closely, ready to step in if things escalate. The same source added, “Lawyers are already ready to file complaints in the event of proven harassment.”

Beyond monitoring, Ubisoft is taking extra steps to protect its staff. Developers have been told to keep a low profile online. “We’re advised not to post on social media that we work at Ubisoft to avoid harassment,” another anonymous employee told BFMTV. The company is also offering support, including psychological help and legal assistance, for anyone targeted because of their work on the game.

When asked about these efforts, a Ubisoft spokesperson said, “Our stance has always been that team members’ social media channels are their own. Our top priority is the safety of our employees, including online, which is why, as a standard practice across Ubisoft, we offer guidance on navigating social media, digital safety, and support for team members’ well-being. We also share resources to help prevent and protect against online harassment, something our teams have unfortunately faced.” While this confirms Ubisoft’s focus on safety, it doesn’t directly address the specifics of the reported plan.

The tension around Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t been limited to Yasuke. Recently, a figurine by collectibles company PureArts, showing Yasuke and co-protagonist Naoe in front of a one-legged torii gate, sparked outrage. Many saw it as a disrespectful nod to the Nagasaki bombing in 1945, where a similar gate still stands. PureArts pulled the item after the backlash, highlighting how sensitive the game’s rollout has become.

For Ubisoft, 2024 has been a rough year, with some calling it the company’s worst ever. The success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows could be a turning point, but the stakes are high. The game promises 30 to 40 hours of main story gameplay, or up to 80 hours for those exploring its world fully, complete with a Photo Mode for capturing highlights. Reviews are still under wraps, leaving its reception unclear.

As the release date closes in, Ubisoft’s preparations show how seriously it’s taking the potential fallout. Whether the plan will curb the harassment—or how the company will define it—remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on keeping its team safe amid a storm of online criticism.