Ubisoft has reportedly cancelled an anticipated Assassin’s Creed game set during and after the American Civil War, a decision influenced by concerns over potential controversy. According to a recent report from Game File, details surrounding the project have only recently come to light, revealing that it was initially in development before being halted last year.
This game, which would have marked the most contemporary setting in the Assassin’s Creed series, was intended to take place as late as the 1870s, during America’s Reconstruction period. The narrative was to follow a black male protagonist, a former slave from the southern United States, who would return to confront ongoing injustices. The inclusion of the Ku Klux Klan in the storyline further indicates the weighty themes the game aimed to explore.
Sources familiar with the project indicated that Ubisoft’s management ultimately decided against proceeding, citing fears of backlash and controversy. This apprehension appears to have been exacerbated by the current political climate in the United States, alongside negative reactions to the recent reveal of another black protagonist, Yasuke, in the Assassin’s Creed Shadows title.
The cancellation has left many within the development community feeling “frustrated,” as reported by Game File. These insiders suggest that Ubisoft’s choice to abandon the project reflects a broader reluctance to engage with sensitive historical content, which could provoke public outcry.
While this is the first substantial information regarding the Civil War-themed project, it aligns with previous reports indicating that Ubisoft has multiple Assassin’s Creed titles at various stages of development. Among these is a highly anticipated remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, which has garnered considerable attention.
The decision to cancel the Civil War game raises questions about the balance between creative expression and sensitivity to contemporary issues. As discussions around representation in video games continue, the gaming community is left to ponder what could have been a significant entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Would you have been interested in exploring an Assassin’s Creed game set during the Reconstruction era? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
