Recent reports have surfaced accusing Ubisoft of allegedly using bots to promote its upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These claims stem from suspicious activity noticed in the comment section of the game’s trailers, leading to speculation that the company may be artificially boosting engagement on its promotional content.
What Are the Allegations?
The allegations revolve around the comments on the Assassin’s Creed Shadows trailer, which many gamers believe were generated by bots. These comments, suspiciously similar in nature, were removed after the accusations, though it’s unclear whether YouTube or Ubisoft took action. The controversy has ignited debate about whether Ubisoft was aware of this activity or if it was possibly a third-party marketing tactic gone wrong.
Evidence and Sources
The biggest piece of evidence cited by gamers is the sudden disappearance of comments after their authenticity was questioned. This, along with screenshots of the questionable comments circulating on forums like Reddit, has raised eyebrows. As of now, Ubisoft has not issued a formal response to these bot-related accusations.
Community Reaction
The gaming community has reacted strongly to these allegations, especially since Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already under scrutiny for issues like its price and performance. Fans have taken to social media and forums to voice their concerns, with many questioning Ubisoft’s marketing tactics and the integrity of the promotion.
Ubisoft’s Response
While Ubisoft has not directly responded to the bot accusations, they have been addressing various criticisms surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, particularly regarding its historical accuracy and promotional choices. For example, the company recently apologized to the Japanese community for using inappropriate historical references in some promotional material.
Impact on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The controversy surrounding the bot allegations and other marketing missteps could hurt the perception of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, potentially impacting its launch. As Ubisoft has already been dealing with backlash over unfinished animations and other concerns, this latest scandal may compound the negative sentiment.
While the allegations of bot usage remain unconfirmed, they have nonetheless cast a shadow over Ubisoft’s marketing of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Whether or not the company was directly involved, the incident has highlighted concerns about transparency in digital marketing and the pressure to artificially boost engagement for major releases. Fans will likely continue to scrutinize Ubisoft’s actions as the game’s release approaches.