In the world of Assassin’s Creed, the use of dual protagonists has sparked mixed reactions among players. This year’s release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, continues the trend with its contrasting characters: the agile shinobi Naoe and the formidable samurai Yasuke. The developers at Ubisoft Quebec, the team behind the new game, have openly acknowledged the divisive nature of this design choice.
The Dual Protagonist Dilemma
The developers of Shadows have crafted the game to highlight stark contrasts between its lead characters, aiming to enrich the player’s experience. However, this decision has stirred debate among fans, reminiscent of previous entries like Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Odyssey, where dual protagonists were presented in varying ways. “The differences between Evie and Jacob were mostly cosmetic,” noted associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois, emphasizing that Shadows was deliberately made to be an “exercise in contrast” that could potentially divide the fan base.
Other games in the series, such as Origins and Valhalla, also featured multiple protagonists, though not always as prominently. In Shadows, the distinction between Naoe and Yasuke goes beyond mere appearance, impacting gameplay significantly.
Looking Ahead: Future of Dual Protagonists
The ongoing discussion about dual protagonists raises questions about their future in the series. “Dual protagonists can be divisive along very strange lines,” Lemay-Comtois stated, acknowledging the varied player preferences. Despite the mixed reactions, Ubisoft is open to exploring this concept further if it serves the narrative and setting appropriately.
As the franchise evolves, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Hexe may continue this trend. Meanwhile, Ubisoft is reportedly working on a remake of Black Flag, expected to set sail in spring 2026, featuring the solo journey of pirate Edward Kenway.
Future Content and Expansions
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ future remains somewhat uncertain, with Ubisoft adjusting its plans for additional content. While an anticipated major expansion was postponed, subsequent updates next year are expected to be smaller in scale. This shift followed a delay in the game’s release, affecting the rollout of expansions like Claws of Awaji.