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Ubisoft is proud to announce its most ambitious and inclusive Assassin’s Creed title yet: Rising Sun. Set in 1800s feudal Japan, players will embark on an epic quest for equality and justice as Amara, a trailblazing assassin unlike any before.
Amara is a plus-sized, Black, transgender woman who refuses to let her disability hold her back. From her customized wheelchair, she’ll navigate the complex social and political landscape of 19th century Japan, fighting against discrimination and oppression.
Ubisoft has been kind enough to release some early concept art which has us thrilled.
The announcement of Assassin’s Creed: Rising Sun has been met with overwhelming praise from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) experts across the gaming industry. Many are hailing Ubisoft’s bold move as a watershed moment for representation in video games.
Dr. Amelia Rodriguez, a prominent DEI consultant in the tech sector, expressed her enthusiasm:
“Ubisoft has set a new gold standard for inclusivity with Rising Sun. By centering a character with multiple marginalized identities, they’re showing that games can be both entertaining and socially progressive.”
Armed with her assassin training, razor-sharp wit, and an arsenal of specially-designed weapons including money ninja stars, Amara will take on the xenophobic ruling class of feudal Japan. Players will experience breathtaking wheelchair parkour across lush Japanese landscapes as they work to dismantle systemic inequality one corrupt leader at a time.
The decision to feature a plus-sized, Black, transgender, disabled protagonist in feudal Japan has been particularly celebrated for its intersectionality. Gaming diversity advocate Marcus Chen commented,
“This is the kind of representation we’ve been fighting for. It challenges players to see beyond their preconceptions and experience history from a truly unique perspective.”
Rising Sun tackles challenging themes head-on, forcing players to confront issues of racism, transphobia, fatphobia and ableism in a historical setting. Amara’s intersectional identity allows for nuanced storytelling that doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
Kim Belair, president of Sweet Baby Inc., a narrative design studio known for its focus on inclusive storytelling, shared her thoughts on the groundbreaking title:
“Assassin’s Creed: Rising Sun is exactly the kind of game we need right now. It’s bold, unapologetic, and refuses to be constrained by traditional notions of historical accuracy or player expectations. Ubisoft is proving that you can create compelling, immersive experiences while also pushing the boundaries of representation. This game is going to change lives and open doors for so many underrepresented developers and players.”
With fully wheelchair-accessible gameplay, Rising Sun sets a new standard for inclusivity in AAA gaming. Amara’s unique mobility options and fighting style make for thrilling, never-before-seen assassin action.
Disability rights activists have also praised the game’s commitment to accessible design, both in its protagonist and gameplay mechanics. The promise of wheelchair parkour has generated particular excitement, with many hoping it will inspire more inclusive game design across the industry.
As anticipation builds for Assassin’s Creed: Rising Sun, it’s clear that Ubisoft’s daring approach to diversity and inclusion has struck a chord with many in the gaming community. Whether this ambitious title will live up to its promise remains to be seen, but its impact on the conversation around representation in games is already being felt.
Join the revolution and fight for a more equal Japan when Assassin’s Creed: Rising Sun launches next spring. The future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise is here – and it’s bold, beautiful and barrier-breaking.
This story is satirical in nature, stop sending me death threats. It is not that far fetched after all. 😉
