Overview: A High-Profile Cancellation in the Assassins’ Creed Line
Reports claim Ubisoft canceled the next mainline Assassin’s Creed game, code-named “Project Scarlet,” amid fears of escalating political backlash in the United States. The purported decision reportedly followed CEO Yves Guillemot’s public response to the controversial casting of Yasuke as a dual protagonist in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, and it allegedly set a precedent for how the studio handles controversy around historical and political representation.
The timeline, as circulated by gaming outlets, places the cancellation in July 2024—roughly a month after Guillemot’s initial remarks. Sources then say the company shifted to a more conciliatory stance in September, stating the goal wasn’t to push a specific agenda, and by October signaled a willingness to confront “the dynamics” surrounding polarized commentary to safeguard reputation and sales potential. Insider Gaming corroborates the narrative, naming the project and a development lead at Ubisoft Quebec, and noting that the game would have been the next mainline RPG for the franchise with an intended October 2027 launch.
The Concept: A Reconstruction-Era Tale Facing Modern Sensibilities
According to the sources, the canceled project would have taken players to the U.S. South during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The proposed protagonist—a formerly enslaved Black man recruited by the Assassins—would have worked to combat the Ku Klux Klan and other oppressive forces. This premise aims to explore the fragility of civil rights during a critical historical period, while aligning with the franchise’s tradition of blending real events with its fictional centuries-spanning conflict between Assassins and Templars.
The Backlash Context: Why the Era Matters
Reconstruction is a historically charged timeframe in which newly freed Black Americans faced systemic resistance, disenfranchisement, and violence. The decision to foreground such a period in a blockbuster video game invites debate about representation, historical interpretation, and the responsibilities of a global studio to diverse audiences. Proponents argue that responsible storytelling can illuminate overlooked chapters of history; critics worry about sensationalism or political optics steering entertainment choices.
Industry Repercussions and the DEI Debate
In recent years, the gaming industry has faced intensified scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Supporters say DEI-driven content reflects a broader audience and ethical considerations, while opponents allege politicization of entertainment. The discourse intensified as conservative and far-right factions challenged depictions of race, gender, and history in popular titles. Reports about Yasuke’s casting in Shadows had already sparked backlash among some quarters, fueling conversations about representation and corporate risk management.
What This Means for Ubisoft and the AC Franchise
While the specifics of internal discussions remain behind closed doors, the purported cancellation suggests a balancing act: pursuing bold, history-driven narratives while navigating volatile political climates and audience expectations. If true, the move could influence how future Assassin’s Creed projects approach sensitive eras and figure choices, potentially favoring more cautious debuts or alternative settings that minimize friction with polarized audiences.
Conclusion: A Case Study in Creative Risks and Public Reception
The rumored end to Project Scarlet highlights a broader industry question: to what extent should game developers adapt ambitious storytelling to external pressures? As fans, analysts, and industry insiders weigh in, Ubisoft’s handling of controversial casting, historical representation, and timing will likely be read as a bellwether for how big-budget franchises navigate controversy in an increasingly polarized marketplace.
