Assassin's Creed franchise boss Marc-Alexis Coté has addressed the online backlash which has swirled around the main character diversity and inclusivity in the latest installment, Assassin's Creed: Shadows. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Coté discussed the impact of the criticism and emphasized the importance of representation in gaming.
The Backlash
Following the reveal of Shadows' diverse cast of characters, including a transgender protagonist, the game faced backlash from some fans who criticized the developers for prioritizing diversity over historical accuracy. Coté acknowledged the negativity surrounding the game but emphasized that the team stands by their creative choices.
"We knew that introducing diverse characters into the Assassin's Creed universe would be met with some resistance," Coté explained. "But we believe it's important to reflect the diversity of our player base and tell stories that resonate with a wide range of experiences."
Addressing the Critics
In response to the criticism, Coté reiterated the team's commitment to inclusivity and representation in the Assassin's Creed series. He emphasized that the developers conduct extensive research to ensure historical accuracy while also striving to portray a diverse range of characters.
"We understand that not everyone will agree with our approach, but we believe it's crucial to prioritize inclusivity and provide underrepresented groups with a platform in our games," Coté stated. "Our goal is to create a more inclusive gaming community where players from all backgrounds feel welcome and represented."
The Impact of Diversity
Coté also highlighted the positive impact of diversity on the gaming industry as a whole. He emphasized that incorporating diverse characters and storylines can enrich the gaming experience and allow players to explore different perspectives and cultures.
"Diversity and inclusivity are not just buzzwords for us - they are core values that drive our creative process," Coté said. "By telling diverse stories and including characters from varied backgrounds, we hope to inspire and engage players in new and meaningful ways."
Standing by Creative Choices
Despite the backlash, Coté made it clear that the development team stands by their creative choices and remains committed to telling diverse and inclusive stories in future Assassin's Creed titles. He emphasized that the team is always open to feedback but ultimately makes decisions based on their vision for the franchise.
"We value the input of our fans and take all feedback into consideration, but ultimately we have a vision for where we want to take the Assassin's Creed series," Coté explained. "We are proud of the diverse and inclusive world we have created in Shadows and believe it represents a positive step forward for the franchise."
Looking to the Future
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Coté expressed optimism about the future of diversity and inclusivity in video games. He emphasized that diversity is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of storytelling and game development that will continue to shape the industry.
"We are excited to see how the conversation around diversity and inclusivity in gaming evolves in the coming years," Coté said. "We are committed to pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for all players."
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