Introduction

As the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows approaches in just three days, excitement and controversy intertwine around Ubisoft's latest installment. With the game set to release soon, anticipation ripples across the internet, drawing both eager fans and vocal critics.

Ubisoft's Context and Strategies

Ubisoft, fresh off a tumultuous 2024 marked by disappointing titles and poor performance, understands the stakes are high. The success of Shadows could be pivotal for the company's future, prompting them to put protective measures in place for their developers.

According to a source from BFMTV, Ubisoft has created an “anti-online harassment plan” specifically for this launch.

Details of the Anti-Harassment Plan

The plan reportedly includes a specialized team dedicated to monitoring online platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit for any waves of criticism targeted at the game or its creators. Notably, this team is prepared to offer both psychological and legal support to employees who might face online harassment.

In fact, Ubisoft has advised their developers to avoid disclosing their employment on social media platforms to mitigate the risk of harassment.

Concerns and Implications

A particularly alarming revelation is the claim that Ubisoft's legal team is primed to file complaints should any confirmed harassment arise. However, this raises concerns about Ubisoft's interpretation of what constitutes harassment.

The gaming community is understandably wary that this could extend beyond serious threats and include benign critique or trolling, potentially weaponizing legal threats against fans voicing their opinions.

Unverified Sources

As of now, this initiative is grounded in a single anonymous source, leaving the full scope and implementation of such measures unverified by Ubisoft.

Conclusion

The industry watches closely, questioning whether this defensive strategy will enhance the work environment for developers or result in censorship of legitimate feedback.

Call to Action