Wed May 21 07:40:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Assassin’s Creed Shadows Embraces Animal-Friendly Gameplay, Ditching Hunting for Zen**
Montreal, Canada – Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows is making a notable departure from series tradition by eliminating the ability to harm animals. Players exploring the virtual recreation of feudal Japan can only interact with wildlife by petting them or documenting their presence in artistic Sumi-e drawings. This change marks a significant shift for the franchise, known for its open-world gameplay that often involves hunting for resources and survival.
In an interview with Kotaku, Creative Director Jonathan Dumont explained the reasoning behind this decision. He cited the relative lack of aggressive wildlife in feudal Japan as a primary factor. “When we reviewed the available animal roster, it seemed more appealing to observe and pet them rather than engage in combat,” Dumont stated.
Ubisoft also aimed to create a more contemplative experience for players, offering “zen-like” moments in nature as a counterpoint to the intense journeys of protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. This commitment to peaceful interactions with animals extends to the game’s base-building mechanics, where players can collect and care for the animals they encounter, creating virtual petting zoos. Dumont confirmed that this idea was introduced early in the development process, quickly becoming a popular feature among the team.
The positive reception from players has been encouraging, with many appreciating the new dimension it adds to exploration. While the removal of hunting in Shadows has been well-received, Dumont notes that the decision to include or exclude animal violence in future Assassin’s Creed titles will depend on the specific setting and player fantasy. For now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a unique and animal-friendly adventure in feudal Japan.
First Piper 