Assassin’s Creed: Shadows developer Ubisoft has hinted that players will have the option to explore LGBTQ+ relationships with the dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, in the upcoming game set to be released in November this year.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the 14th installment in the popular franchise, revolving around the eternal battle between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars across significant historical periods. The game is particularly notable for its diverse characters, with Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a samurai, leading players through a gripping narrative in feudal Japan during the 16th Century.
In a recent blog post by Ubisoft, the game developer suggested that Naoe and Yasuke’s personalities will influence their relationships with other characters, allowing players to experience a range of interactions. The post also alludes to the possibility of romantic relationships in the game, stating that the protagonists will attract and be attracted to different individuals, providing players with a diverse array of relationship dynamics.
While the blog post clarifies that not every play-through will feature LGBTQ+ elements for Naoe and Yasuke, it emphasizes that players seeking the option to engage in romantic relationships with NPCs of the same gender will have that choice available to them.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows marks a shift towards a more immersive role-playing experience for players, granting them the freedom to make various decisions that impact the storyline, friendships, and potentially romantic connections within the game.
Notably, this is not the first time the Assassin’s Creed franchise has incorporated LGBTQ+ representation and player choice in character relationships. Previous titles like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla allowed players to explore diverse romance options, including same-sex relationships, showcasing the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity and player agency.
With its upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows promises an engaging and inclusive gaming experience, inviting players to delve into the rich narrative of Naoe and Yasuke while embracing the opportunity to shape their characters’ relationships in a historically immersive setting.