Target: Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft
Goal: Ensure all future game developments prioritize animal welfare by eliminating any violent interactions with wildlife in gaming.
The gaming industry has the power to shape perceptions and attitudes toward animals, influencing how players interact with the natural world. In a recent development, Ubisoft released Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a game notable for its decision to entirely eliminate violence against animals. In this virtual recreation of feudal Japan, players can only interact with wildlife through non-violent means, such as petting and painting them. This decision aligns with an important message about compassion toward living creatures and sets a precedent for future games. However, it raises an urgent need for commitment: the gaming community must advocate for similar or better treatment of animals in all forms of entertainment moving forward.
Ubisoft’s creative director, Jonathan Dumont, shared insights into this shift in gameplay, citing the lack of aggressive wildlife in feudal Japan and the desire to offer players a calming, zen-like experience. The absence of hostile predators allows for a richer, more contemplative exploration of the game world, transforming the typical open-world experience. While the response from players has been overwhelmingly positive, the gaming industry must capitalize on this momentum. Continued involvement and advocacy are necessary to ensure that future projects do not revert to outdated norms of depicting violence against animals for entertainment purposes.
This petition calls for commitment from Ubisoft and all creatives in the gaming industry to prioritize the welfare of animals in their games. By eliminating violent interactions with wildlife altogether, the industry has the opportunity to lead by example, fostering compassion, respect, and connection between players and the creatures that share our world. The demand is clear: make the non-violent treatment of animals a standard in future game development, inspiring players to celebrate wildlife rather than harm it.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Guillemot,
The recent release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has garnered significant praise for its groundbreaking approach to animal interaction, allowing players to engage with wildlife solely through non-violent means. Players can explore a beautifully crafted world where the only actions they can take with animals are to pet and paint them, reflecting a much-needed shift towards compassion in gaming. However, there is a pressing need to ensure that this progressive decision is not an isolated instance but rather the beginning of a new standard in game development.
Notably, the rationale behind the decision to avoid violence against animals stems from the historical context of feudal Japan and a desire to provide players with spiritual moments of connection with nature. This design choice has resonated with audiences, who have embraced the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the animal kingdom without the imposition of harm. It is vital that Ubisoft champions this direction in future projects, making clear that violence against animals is not only unnecessary but counterproductive to the rich experiences that games can offer.
We urge you to commit to making the humane and empathetic treatment of wildlife a core principle in all future game developments. The industry has the capacity to lead by example, influencing players around the world to view animals with respect rather than as targets. Together, let us create a future where gaming promotes kindness, awareness, and a harmonious relationship with all living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
