
Assassin's Creed Shadows' lead developer assures players that choosing a single protagonist won't compromise the core game experience. Players can select either Naoe, a female shinobi, or Yasuke, a historical African samurai – a choice that has generated pre-release discussion.
Concerns arose that focusing on one character might lead to missing crucial plot points or gameplay. Creative director Jonathan Dumont addressed these concerns, describing his own balanced approach: He alternates between characters, dedicating roughly 3-5 hours to one before switching to the other.
However, Dumont emphasizes that a preference for one character won't significantly hinder the overall experience. While each protagonist features unique opening sequences and personal storylines, the game's narrative adapts to the player's choice. He encourages players to play as their preferred character:
"The game's design ensures you won't miss out on much. It's entirely dependent on your play style. You can experiment to see how the game adjusts based on your character selection. Each hero has individual introductions and quests, but the main storyline remains adaptable. Play your favorite, and the narrative will follow suit."