No Animal Killing In Assassin's Creed Shadows: Ubisoft's Official Explanation

James

3 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.8

Share

No Animal Killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage: Ubisoft's Official Explanation Calms Furor

The recent announcement of Assassin's Creed Mirage sparked a surprising debate amongst fans: the apparent absence of animal killing. This departure from previous titles in the franchise has led to both confusion and concern, prompting Ubisoft to release an official statement clarifying their design choices. The absence of animal hunting in Mirage, it turns out, is a deliberate design decision, not a bug or oversight.

This article delves into Ubisoft's official explanation and explores the broader implications for the future of the Assassin's Creed franchise.

Ubisoft's Statement: A Focus on Core Gameplay

Ubisoft's official statement, disseminated across various gaming news outlets and social media platforms, emphasizes a return to the series' roots. The development team has chosen to streamline the gameplay experience in Mirage, focusing on the core tenets of stealth, assassination, and parkour, which defined the original Assassin's Creed title. They've explained that including animal hunting, while a feature present in many Assassin's Creed games, is considered a less central mechanic and, in this iteration, detracts from their vision of a leaner, more focused experience.

"We wanted to deliver a more refined and focused experience in Assassin's Creed Mirage, concentrating on the core gameplay loop that defines the series," stated a representative from Ubisoft. "While animal hunting has been a part of previous titles, it wasn't deemed a critical component for Mirage's specific narrative and gameplay design."

The Impact on Gameplay and Narrative

This decision has sparked lively discussion among fans. Some welcome the streamlining, arguing that it allows for a more polished and intense core gameplay experience. Others express disappointment, citing the enjoyment they derived from hunting and interacting with the game world's wildlife in previous installments.

The removal of animal killing might also subtly impact the game's narrative and world-building. In previous games, hunting provided a supplemental source of income and resources, and its removal might necessitate adjustments to the overall economy and progression systems within Mirage.

A Look at the Larger Assassin's Creed Franchise

Assassin's Creed has a rich history of evolution, constantly adapting and experimenting with its gameplay mechanics. This decision regarding animal killing in Mirage showcases Ubisoft's willingness to experiment and make bold design choices, even if it means deviating from established conventions. It remains to be seen whether this will become a standard for future titles or a unique element of Mirage. Future games, like the upcoming Assassin's Creed Red, may return to or completely depart from this choice depending on their narrative focus.

Will this affect future Assassin's Creed games?

The future of animal hunting in the Assassin's Creed universe remains uncertain. This change in Mirage is likely a case-by-case decision based on individual game design. The team behind each installment will determine whether the inclusion of animal hunting fits within their specific vision and narrative goals. Fans will need to wait for official announcements regarding future titles to determine the fate of this aspect of gameplay.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for a Focused Experience

Ubisoft's decision to remove animal killing in Assassin's Creed Mirage is a calculated risk, reflecting a conscious effort to return to the series' core elements. While it might disappoint some longtime players, the move also showcases a willingness to innovate and experiment. Ultimately, the success of this approach will depend on how well Mirage executes its streamlined gameplay and whether it satisfies players craving a more focused, classic Assassin's Creed experience. The reaction to this design choice will undoubtedly inform the direction of future installments in the franchise.