Ubisoft Cancelled Assassin’s Creed Game Set in 19th Century Post-American Civil War Era

Ubisoft Cancels Ambitious Assassin’s Creed Game Set in Post-Civil War America

A recent report by Stephen Totilo at Game File (paywalled) reveals that Ubisoft has decided to scrap a new installment in the Assassin’s Creed series scheduled for a 2024 release. This game was intended to be set in the 19th century, specifically during the tumultuous post-American Civil War period. Players would have stepped into the shoes of a Black protagonist, formerly enslaved in the South, now carving out a new existence in the western regions of the United States.

The story would have taken a dramatic turn as the character is recruited by the Order of Assassins and sent back to the South to confront an escalating Templar threat, which would have involved tackling the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, as indicated in Totilo’s report.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

According to sources, which include five current and former Ubisoft employees speaking anonymously, the cancellation was driven by two primary concerns. Firstly, Ubisoft management wanted to avoid the backlash it faced regarding Yasuke’s inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Secondly, there was a prevailing belief within the company that tackling such politically charged themes, particularly in the current U. S.environment, would be akin to stepping on “the third rail.”

“Too political in a country too unstable, to make it short, ”a source reportedly told Game File.

“I was terribly disappointed but not surprised by leadership. They are making more and more decisions to maintain the political ‘status quo’ and take no stand, no risk, even creatively, ”added another source.

Historical Context in Ubisoft’s Storytelling

This would not have been the first time Ubisoft has addressed the theme of slavery within its games. Previously, Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry, a spin-off of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, featured a Black protagonist named Adéwalé, who was a former slave. The narrative centered on freeing others who were similarly oppressed by the Templars, combining the franchise’s trademark stealth and action gameplay with a crucial moral message.

Considering the outlined premise, it could be argued that developing a game set in this specific historical context would have been a meaningful evolution of Ubisoft’s storytelling, further exploring the struggle against the legacies of oppression.

Market Performance and Aspirations

Despite the concerns raised, it’s noteworthy that Ubisoft actually experienced commercial success with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which launched to critical acclaim and remains one of the top-selling games of 2025, even amidst the controversies related to its character inclusivity.

The question persists, however, about whether Ubisoft could have successfully delivered this poignant narrative. The company’s management’s perception that exploring the horrific legacy of slavery constituted a “too political”venture underscores significant hesitations regarding creative risks in today’s climate.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Ubisoft’s decisions reflect a broader trend concerning the portrayal of sensitive historical issues and the potential implications for game development strategies.

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