Ubisoft Explores Dual Heroes for Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft maintains strong interest in creating Assassin’s Creed entries that feature two main characters, a direction that has become increasingly visible since the release of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Over the years, the franchise has experimented with giving players the ability to step into different roles within the same narrative, often through pairs of characters who share similar world interactions and story beats. Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a turning point, shifting to a pair of protagonists with their own distinct backgrounds, playstyles, and experiential depth, allowing players to feel a sharper contrast between them.
Simon Lemay-Comtois, co-director of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, recently spoke about this design philosophy in a conversation with Games Radar. He explained that offering two unique heroes can broaden a player’s sense of choice and personal alignment. For example, those drawn to themes of conflict might naturally prefer Yasuke, while others may find themselves gravitating toward the alternative protagonist based on personality or gameplay feel. Shadows support both preferences by presenting two leads that differ dramatically in approach and identity, although Simon admitted that such differences may encourage fans to pick sides more strongly than in earlier entries like Syndicate, Odyssey, or Valhalla, where both protagonists existed within the same conceptual framework.
He went on to clarify that the decision to craft two deeply different protagonists was never seen as a compromise but as an opportunity to expand the narrative canvas. Ubisoft remains open to continuing this approach in future installments, considering it whenever a game’s theme and creative direction call for multiple viewpoints. Whether players enjoy a singular hero, interchangeable dual leads, or two sharply defined characters like those in Shadows, Ubisoft appears committed to exploring formats that spark engagement, discussion, and replayability within the Assassin’s Creed community.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The new entry stands independent from previous titles in the series and places players in the role of historical figures, including Yasuke, an African warrior known for serving under the iconic warlord Nobunaga Oda. The game has captured attention for its dramatic character contrasts, immersive setting, and fresh narrative structure, offering a reinvention that both longtime fans and new players can appreciate.
Origin: Games Radar
