Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a significant change to the series’ traditional formula: players will not be able to harm animals throughout their journey. This creative decision stands out in a franchise known for allowing various forms of wildlife interactions, including hunting. However, this new direction doesn’t mean animals are absent. On the contrary, players can pet them and even capture their likenesses through in-game art, all without the need for conflict.
Why Predators Are Absent From Feudal Japan
Creative director Jonathan Dumont explained that one of the driving reasons behind this choice is the historical setting itself. According to him, feudal Japan didn’t have many large or aggressive predators that would justify a combat role for animals in the game. After reviewing potential animal inclusions, the development team realized that making animals passive companions better suited the game’s atmosphere.
Designing A More Reflective Experience
Another important factor in removing animal combat was the studio’s desire to instill a sense of peace and mindfulness in the gameplay. Dumont shared that Ubisoft aimed to offer players tranquil moments, encouraging reflection and a stronger connection to the surrounding world. Rather than treat animals as resources or obstacles, they become part of the immersive environment, contributing to the overall tone of serenity throughout the narrative journeys of Naoe and Yasuke.
Bringing Wildlife Into The Player’s Base
One feature that developed early in production was the ability to bring animals back to the hideout. This idea emerged during a team meeting when the sumi-e painting activity was being discussed. Originally, players were meant to simply collect these artistic renditions of wildlife. However, once the animals were visualized in-game, the team collectively agreed they should become living parts of the hideout. This decision gave rise to creative efforts from developers themselves, who started designing elaborate petting zoos and animal sanctuaries in their own versions of the game.
Reception From Players Has Been Positive
While Dumont did not speak for the entire studio, he noted that the general response from the community has been largely supportive. Many players appreciated this fresh take on exploration, where the absence of harm against animals opened up new ways to engage with the world. The feedback suggested that gamers valued the shift toward a more peaceful interaction model, something relatively rare in large open-world games.
Will Hunting Return In Future Titles?
As for whether this direction signals a permanent change for the franchise, Dumont said it would ultimately depend on the setting of future games and what fits the player fantasy of that specific world. In the case of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the setting naturally lent itself to a non-violent approach to wildlife, but other historical contexts might bring back hunting if it aligns with the experience the game aims to deliver.
By stripping away the ability to harm animals and replacing it with more serene interactions, Assassin’s Creed Shadows encourages players to immerse themselves in a world that values stillness and observation. It’s a bold move that shifts the franchise’s tone, aligning the gameplay with cultural and historical authenticity while offering a fresh perspective on open-world design.
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