Ubisoft has been in the spotlight a lot recently, and often for the wrong reasons. While the discussion surrounding Ubisoft and its games was once limited to lack of creativity, more serious topics are now the norm. Concerns over a plothole in the Assassin's Creed's timeline have been replaced by concerns over sexual harassment, abuse, and worse.
Multiple accusations were leveled at executives and employees at Ubisoft, many of them very serious. This resulted in many of the accused stepping down or being fired, and an apology video from Ubisoft. The mindset at Ubisoft that led to these acts seems to have permeated games in series like Assassin's Creed as well, as pointed out by fans. It was the diminished role of women in the series that has led to groups like the Assassin's Creed Sisterhood and their first podcast.
While the series definitely has its dissenters, Assassin's Creed has many, many fans. It was several of those female fans who came together to form the Assassin's Creed Sisterhood. An offshoot of The Mentor's Guild, the Sisterhood recently showed off its inspiring symbol, and followed up with the first of several planned podcasts. The podcast saw voice actresses from Assassin's Creed Origins, one game where it was made clear the role of the female lead was cut, speak about their experience with the game and series as a whole. The VAs in question are Alix Wilton Regan (Aya/Amunet) and Zora Bishop (Cleopatra).
Several topics were discussed on the podcast. Some obviously related to the allegations and the cutting down of Aya's role in Origins. This mirrors the way Kassandra's role was cut in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, although according to Regan, the reasons for the script changes were not explained to her. Fan questions were also asked, including how much control over Aya's characterization Regan had, how she perfected her Grecco-Egyptian accent, and how Bishop got into character for Cleopatra.
During the interview, in addition to joy over the fan creations of Aya, Regan expressed frustration over the perception of male gamers. She emphasized that the idea that video games were enjoyed only by boys who would not except female representation in games, the "infantalization" of men, was incorrect and shortsighted. Judging by the fan backlash against Ubisoft's recent video, it seems many players are as open minded as she claims.
The video concluded on a high note, with Regan and Bishop reprising their roles for a short, but powerful scene from an Assassin's Creed Origins comic. It is clear that people like Regan and Bishop who are working on the series have a real passion for it. Hopefully, with input from fans and creatives who want to make the game the best it can be, more changes for the better will hit Assassin's Creed soon.
Assassin's Creed Origins is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.