In a recent interview, Simon Lemay-Comtois, the associate game director for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, expressed a commitment to revitalizing parkour as a central feature in future Assassin’s Creed titles. He acknowledged that Shadows and the RPG installments of the series had fallen short in this area, particularly due to a lack of verticality in gameplay, which led to a stiffer and less fluid movement experience.
Despite improvements made to Shadows post-launch, Lemay-Comtois highlighted that the initial shortcomings had left a lasting impression on players. He noted that Ubisoft has recognized the dissatisfaction among fans regarding the direction of movement mechanics since the transition to RPG-style games. This realization has prompted a shift in focus towards treating parkour as a crucial aspect of future Assassin’s Creed developments.
“Parkour matters. Let’s really push parkour forward,” Lemay-Comtois stated, outlining the goal to integrate parkour more effectively in new projects. He indicated that upcoming titles, such as Jade, Hexe, and a rumored Black Flag remake, will feature a parkour system that resonates more deeply with players, evoking the spirit of earlier games in the franchise.
The need to prioritize parkour not only addresses player grievances but also seeks to enhance the overall gameplay experience. While Shadows is still grappling with criticisms, including disappointing DLC performance and controversial collaborations, the focus on revitalizing parkour presents an opportunity for Ubisoft to re-establish its legacy for fluid movement.
This proactive approach could help mend relations with the fanbase and restore excitement for future Assassin’s Creed offerings, aligning gameplay mechanics with the classic essence that players cherish.