Overview: A Core AC Game on the chopping block
Reports circulating in gaming media claim that Ubisoft canceled the next mainline Assassin’s Creed title, codenamed “Project Scarlet,” in July 2024. The reports suggest the decision came after mounting concerns about political backlash in the United States, tied to the game’s anticipated subject matter and creative direction.
Industry outlets Game File and Insider Gaming are cited as the primary sources for the cancellation news, with additional context about leadership comments from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot cited to explain a shifting corporate stance on controversial topics. The outlets describe “Project Scarlet” as the upcoming RPG-entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, developed by Ubisoft Quebec, and outlined for a planned October 2027 launch.
What the game would have been about
According to the reports, the project was set in the Reconstruction era of the American South, the period following the Civil War marked by efforts to roll back civil rights for newly freed Black Americans. The game’s proposed protagonist was described as a formerly enslaved Black man recruited by the Assassins to fight oppressive forces, including the Ku Klux Klan. The concept reportedly positioned the player at the intersection of espionage, rebellion, and the long arc of civil rights in a volatile era of U.S. history.
Why the project faced headwinds
The sources claim internal enthusiasm for the title existed, but concerns about political backlash in the United States amplified fears about the project’s viability. A recurring thread in the reporting is that the political climate—amplified by debates over representation and historical memory—could threaten both sales and brand reputation for a multinational publisher.
The Guillemot statements and the broader industry context
Game File notes that Guillemot publicly commented on the backlash surrounding Yasuke’s casting as a dual protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, describing a need to avoid “pushing any specific agenda.” In subsequent remarks, he signaled intentions to address the dynamics of polarized public discourse to protect the company’s interests. The reporting suggests these comments reflect a broader shift within Ubisoft toward navigating delicate cultural topics in a way that minimizes risk to the business, while still pursuing ambitious creative projects.
What this means for the Assassin’s Creed franchise
If accurate, cancellation of Project Scarlet would mark a notable moment for the franchise, which has repeatedly used historical settings to explore complex social issues. The handling of controversial topics in popular media has intensified for years, with developers and publishers balancing creative risk against audience reception and market pressures. The reported decision underscores the tension between ambition and the practicalities of releasing a major RPG in a highly scrutinized political era.
Reception and reaction in the community
Rumors of a canceled project typically spark debate among fans and analysts about the risks and rewards of pursuing historically charged narratives. Some argue that constructive representation in historically charged settings can educate and engage players, while others worry about alienating segments of the audience or attracting political controversy that could undermine a game’s commercial performance.
What to watch for next
As with many industry rumors, official confirmation or denial from Ubisoft would be the definitive signal for fans and investors. If Project Scarlet is indeed canceled, observers will look to Ubisoft’s future strategic decisions—how the company approaches sensitive topics in upcoming titles and how it communicates its stance on representation, history, and narrative risk in major releases.
Note: The reporting referenced here cites Game File and Insider Gaming as sources discussing Project Scarlet and its cancellation. The details reflect allegations and interpretations of internal and external commentary and have not been independently verified by every mainstream outlet.
