Addressing Harassment In Assassin's Creed: Shadows Of London: Ubisoft's New Plan

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Ubisoft's Acknowledgment of the Problem & Community Response

The scale of harassment reported within Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London is concerning. Numerous players have shared accounts of experiencing verbal abuse, targeted attacks based on gender, race, or other personal attributes, and discriminatory behavior within the game's online features. This has understandably sparked significant outrage and disappointment within the Assassin's Creed community. Many players have voiced their concerns on social media platforms, dedicated forums, and through direct communication with Ubisoft. The strong community response, demanding immediate and meaningful action, has undoubtedly played a key role in prompting Ubisoft's new plan.

• Examples of player-reported incidents: Several players reported receiving hateful messages, death threats, and targeted harassment during online multiplayer sessions. Some accounts described being excluded from gameplay or subjected to constant trolling and disruptive behavior.
• Links to relevant news articles or community forums: [Insert links to relevant news articles and forum discussions here. Ensure links are active and reputable.]
• Summary of player demands for action from Ubisoft: Players overwhelmingly demanded stricter moderation, improved reporting mechanisms, quicker response times to reports, and meaningful consequences for perpetrators of online harassment.

Key Components of Ubisoft's New Plan to Combat Harassment

Ubisoft's response includes several key measures aimed at tackling harassment directly. The plan focuses on actionable steps designed to improve the player experience and foster a more welcoming environment. At the core of the plan is a commitment to enhanced reporting and investigation procedures.

• Improved reporting systems (in-game and external): Ubisoft is streamlining its in-game reporting systems, making it easier for players to flag inappropriate behavior. They are also establishing more accessible external reporting channels.
• Enhanced moderation and quicker response times: The company is increasing its moderation team and committing to quicker response times to reported incidents. This aims to reduce the window of opportunity for harassment to continue unchecked.
• Accountability measures for offenders (bans, suspensions): Ubisoft has committed to implementing stricter penalties for those found guilty of harassment, including account bans and suspensions. The severity of the punishment will be determined based on the nature and severity of the offense.
• Increased transparency regarding disciplinary actions: Ubisoft plans to provide more transparency regarding the actions taken against offenders. While specific details might be withheld for privacy reasons, general updates on the number and type of actions taken could help build trust.
• Potential investment in AI-powered moderation tools: The company is exploring the potential of AI-powered moderation tools to help identify and flag inappropriate behavior more efficiently. This would supplement, not replace, human moderators.

Focus on Prevention and Positive Community Building

Beyond addressing existing harassment, Ubisoft's plan emphasizes proactive measures to prevent future incidents and foster a positive community. This approach recognizes that a healthy online environment requires more than just punishment; it needs cultivation.

• Positive player behavior campaigns: Ubisoft intends to launch campaigns promoting positive player interactions and highlighting the importance of respectful online conduct.
• In-game communication guidelines and tutorials: New players will be presented with clear communication guidelines and tutorials aimed at promoting respectful interaction within the game.
• Community outreach and engagement programs: Ubisoft will engage more directly with the community through forums, social media, and in-game events to build trust and encourage constructive dialogue.
• Collaboration with anti-harassment organizations: The company is exploring partnerships with organizations specializing in combating online harassment to draw on their expertise and best practices.

Long-Term Sustainability and Future Improvements

The long-term success of Ubisoft's plan depends on its ongoing adaptation and improvement. Several challenges remain, including the ever-evolving nature of online harassment tactics and the need for consistent monitoring and enforcement.

• Regular review and updates of the plan: Ubisoft must commit to regularly reviewing and updating its plan to ensure its effectiveness in addressing new forms of harassment.
• Gathering player feedback for continuous improvement: The company needs to establish consistent channels for gathering player feedback to identify weaknesses in the plan and make necessary adjustments.
• Adapting strategies to address evolving harassment tactics: Harassment methods constantly evolve; Ubisoft must remain adaptable and incorporate new strategies to address emerging challenges.
• Measuring the success of the plan through data analysis: Ubisoft should track key metrics related to harassment reports, disciplinary actions, and player feedback to assess the effectiveness of the plan and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Ubisoft's new plan to address harassment in Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful gaming community. The combination of improved reporting systems, proactive prevention strategies, and a commitment to ongoing improvement offers hope for a more positive future. While the effectiveness of this plan will depend on consistent implementation and community participation, it’s a crucial move towards tackling online harassment. To ensure the success of these efforts, continued vigilance and reporting of harassment incidents within Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London and other Ubisoft games remain vital. Let's work together to make online gaming a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Report any instances of harassment you encounter and help Ubisoft make their plan to combat harassment in Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London truly effective.