Assassin's Creed Shadows: Understanding Ubisoft's Animal Welfare Policy

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 22, 2025

4.9

Share

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Understanding Ubisoft's Animal Welfare Policy

The release of Assassin's Creed Mirage has reignited discussions surrounding Ubisoft's commitment to animal welfare, particularly in the context of its game development and depictions of animals. While the series is known for its rich historical settings and captivating narratives, the portrayal of animals has, at times, faced scrutiny. This article delves into Ubisoft's publicly stated animal welfare policies and examines how these policies translate – or fail to translate – into the Assassin's Creed franchise, specifically highlighting the role of animals in Mirage and previous installments.

Ubisoft's Stated Commitment to Animal Welfare:

Ubisoft, like many large corporations, publishes a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report that outlines its commitments to various ethical and environmental concerns. While the reports don't explicitly detail a dedicated "animal welfare policy" document, they consistently mention commitments to responsible sourcing and ethical practices throughout their supply chain. This includes considerations for the environmental impact of their operations and a focus on fair labor practices. However, the specific application of these principles to the representation of animals in their games remains less clear.

Animal Representation in Assassin's Creed:

The Assassin's Creed series features a wide range of animals, from majestic horses used for traversal to birds of prey employed for reconnaissance. The depiction of these animals has evolved over the series' lifespan. Earlier games sometimes featured questionable depictions of animal treatment, leading to criticism from animal welfare advocates. However, more recent installments seem to show a greater awareness of these concerns, although the extent of this change remains debated among fans and critics.

Analyzing Assassin's Creed Mirage:

Assassin's Creed Mirage, with its focus on Basim Ibn Ishaq's journey, presents a new opportunity to analyze Ubisoft's approach to animal representation. While specifics remain under wraps until release, early trailers and gameplay showcases will provide valuable clues. We need to carefully assess:

• The realism of animal behavior: Are animals depicted accurately, or are they used solely as game mechanics?
• The treatment of animals within the game world: Are animals treated humanely, or are they subjected to violence or exploitation for gameplay purposes?
• The overall narrative impact: Does the game use animals in a way that contributes meaningfully to the story, or are they mere background elements?

Moving Forward: Transparency and Accountability:

Ubisoft's commitment to responsible practices should extend to a clear and transparent animal welfare policy specific to game development. This policy should outline guidelines for depicting animals, ensuring that their portrayal is both ethically sound and historically accurate. Greater accountability, perhaps through third-party audits or collaborations with animal welfare organizations, would further enhance the credibility of Ubisoft’s commitment.

Conclusion:

The debate surrounding Ubisoft’s approach to animal welfare within the Assassin's Creed franchise is a complex one. While their overall CSR reports highlight ethical considerations, a dedicated and publicly available animal welfare policy for game development would significantly improve transparency and build trust with players and animal welfare advocates. The release of Assassin's Creed Mirage provides a fresh opportunity to evaluate their progress and assess whether their stated values are truly reflected in their work. We will continue to monitor the game’s release and subsequent reviews to assess the extent to which Ubisoft has incorporated ethical considerations into its latest installment. Let's hope Mirage shines a positive light on Ubisoft’s commitment to responsible game development, including the depiction of animals within its rich and historically-inspired world.