Ubisoft CEO Says Their Games are Political, but Neutral

I defend Ubisoft more than the average bear, but I’m under no delusions that they’re a good company. In fact, I agree with one of the most common criticisms levied towards them: they’re cowards, particularly in the realm of storytelling. The Division, a story about a secret unaccountable militia of super-soldiers, was primed to be a story that could really explore American politics, consumerism, government overreach, police states and violence, and a plethora of other things… but it didn’t. Far Cry 5 looked as if it would have a lot to say about American gun culture, our divided politics, and fanaticism, but… other than a few cursory nods it barely acknowledges one of the most profound issues in our country today, even though it’s perfectly positioned to do just that.

Back in E3, we heard creative director Terry Spier tell us that their games weren’t political. But now, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemont is telling a different story: their games are political, but they’re also neutral.

Which, I should point out, is way worse. Talking to The Guardian:

“Our goal in all the games we create, is to make people think. We want to put them in front of questions that they don’t always ask themselves automatically. We want players to listen to different opinions and to have their own opinions. Our goal is to give all the tools to the player in order for them to think about the subjects, to be able to see things from far enough away.”

So, looking at Far Cry 5 again: what tools were we given to make us look at murderous cults differently? I mean, other than forcing us to sit and listen to their ramblings before we got to shoot them.

Look, Ubisoft, I get it. I work for a risk-adverse company too, I know how these things work. But don’t pretend to be something you’re not, man. It’s unflattering.