Assassin's Creed Shadows: The Ethics Of Animal Interaction In Gameplay

James

3 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Assassin's Creed Shadows: The Ethics of Animal Interaction in Gameplay

Assassin's Creed games have always pushed boundaries, blending historical settings with fantastical elements and thrilling gameplay. But with Assassin's Creed Mirage, slated for release in 2023, a renewed focus on core parkour and assassination mechanics brings a crucial question to the forefront: how ethically sound is the depiction and use of animals within the gameplay? While previous titles featured animal companions and interactions, Mirage's potential return to a more streamlined experience warrants a closer examination of the series' track record and the implications of its portrayal of animals.

The Shifting Sands of Animal Representation

Early Assassin's Creed games featured animals primarily as environmental details – background elements adding to the realism of the historical settings. However, as the series evolved, interactions with animals became more prominent. Players could ride horses, use eagles for scouting (like in Assassin's Creed II), and even utilize animal companions in combat. While these interactions often enhanced the gameplay experience, they also raised ethical considerations.

The Moral Maze: Hunting, Taming, and Exploitation

Some Assassin's Creed games incorporate hunting mechanics, allowing players to kill animals for resources or to complete missions. This raises questions about the game's message and its potential influence on player attitudes towards animal welfare. While often presented as a necessary survival mechanism within the game's context, the repetitive nature of hunting can desensitize players to the violence inflicted upon animals.

Furthermore, the taming and use of animals, while potentially adding strategic depth to gameplay, can also be viewed as a form of exploitation. The depiction of animals as mere tools for the assassin's purpose may promote a disregard for their sentience and well-being.

A Call for Responsible Representation

Game developers have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their design choices. The portrayal of animal interaction in video games can have a significant impact, influencing player perceptions and potentially shaping real-world attitudes towards animals. A more nuanced approach, one that acknowledges the sentience of animals and avoids gratuitous violence or exploitation, is crucial.

Moving Forward: Towards a More Ethical Future?

While Assassin's Creed Mirage might not revolutionize animal representation in gaming, the return to a more focused gameplay loop presents an opportunity for reflection. By carefully considering the ethical implications of animal interaction within the game, Ubisoft could set a positive example for the industry. This could involve:

• Minimizing hunting: Reducing or removing unnecessary hunting mechanics.
• Promoting animal welfare: Showcasing positive interactions with animals, emphasizing their importance within the ecosystem.
• Enhanced realism: Creating more accurate and respectful depictions of animal behaviour.
• Player choice and consequence: Allowing players to make choices that impact animal welfare, with tangible consequences.

The future of animal representation in video games hinges on the willingness of developers to engage with these ethical concerns. Assassin's Creed Mirage, with its renewed focus on core gameplay, could be a significant step towards a more responsible and ethical portrayal of animals in interactive entertainment. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions in the comments below!