Ubisoft has revealed the reasoning behind the decision to prevent players from harming animals in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, marking a first for the franchise. Instead of hunting or fighting wildlife, players can only interact with creatures by petting or sketching them. The game’s creative director explained that this choice was influenced by Japan’s natural environment and a desire to create a more peaceful open-world experience.
A More Peaceful Approach to Wildlife
Unlike previous Assassin’s Creed games, Shadows features no aggressive predators or hunting mechanics. Players won’t encounter wolves or bears attacking them, nor will they need to kill animals for crafting materials. When asked about this shift, creative director Jonathan Dumont shared that feudal Japan lacked many large, dangerous animals, making combat with wildlife unnecessary.
He also mentioned that the team wanted to include calming activities that complement the journey of protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Observing and interacting with animals in a non-violent way contributes to a more meditative exploration of the world.
Turning Wildlife into Companions
Early in development, the team introduced a painting activity where players could sketch animals they encountered. The idea of allowing these creatures to become pets in the player’s hideout quickly gained support. Dumont noted that team members immediately started creating their own virtual petting zoos, a trend that has continued among players.
When asked about fan reactions, Dumont acknowledged that many appreciated the change, as it added a fresh layer to exploration. As for whether hunting mechanics will return in future games, he said it will depend on the setting and the intended player experience—for Shadows, a non-violent approach simply fit better.
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