Ubisoft has recently addressed the controversies surrounding the upcoming DLC of Assassin’s Creed Mirage set in Saudi Arabia and claimed that the company retains creative control over the project. After the surprise regarding the announcement of the new DLC for Assassin’s Creed Mirage subsided, multiple individuals have criticized the company for the project’s ties with Saudi Arabia, whose government is accused of having an “abysmal human rights record” by organizations such as Human Rights Watch.
Released in 2023, Assassin’s Creed Mirage was often considered a return to the series’ roots due to its smaller open world and increased focus on stealth. With the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows earlier this year, many gamers expected Ubisoft to be done with this title. However, in August, Ubisoft announced a new free DLC, which will be set in AlUla, an ancient site in Saudi Arabia.
Ubisoft Claims It Has Full Creative Control Over Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s DLC
During an internal Q&A (reported by Game File and IGN), one Ubisoft employee asked management if they believe partnering with Saudi Arabia would tarnish the company’s image, considering the allegations of human rights violations in the country. According to the report, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot appeared in Riyadh during the Global Sport Conference at the time the controversial DLC was announced. Management responded that Guillemot’s visit to Saudi Arabia was part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic efforts. Ubisoft later reached out to both Game File and IGN, affirming its full control over the upcoming DLC, made possible with “support from local and international organizations, through access to experts and historians.” Guillemot earlier highlighted that AlUla is a UNESCO site, offering players a chance to explore digitally through the free content.
Hopefully, the upcoming DLC will enhance the Assassin’s Creed Mirage experience, despite concerns surrounding its production. Recently, it became available on Xbox Game Pass, introducing it to a wider audience, marking an ideal time for gamers to revisit the title.
The free DLC isn’t the only Assassin’s Creed project expected soon. Ubisoft has discussed the upcoming Claws of Awaji DLC for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, revealing further details about its narrative and setting, slated for release on September 16.
