In a dramatic clash of personalities, the official Twitter account for the Assassin's Creed franchise took a jab at tech billionaire Elon Musk after he publicly criticized the latest game in the series, Assassin's Creed Shadows. This exchange, which unfolded on March 26, 2025, highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the game, particularly its choice of protagonist and the controversies that have arisen since its release.
Assassin's Creed Shadows, which debuted on March 20, 2025, features Yauske, a black Samurai set in 16th-century Japan. This choice of character has stirred debate regarding historical accuracy, with some claiming that it deviates too far from established narratives. Despite the controversy, the game has seen a successful launch, attracting over 2 million players within the first 48 hours, making it one of the largest launches in the franchise's history, second only to Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
The uproar began when Musk commented on a promotional post by Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, calling him a "fraud" and a "sell-out" for endorsing what he labeled a "terrible game." Musk's remarks were made in response to Piker's sponsored stream of Assassin's Creed Shadows, where he encouraged his followers to check out the game. Musk stated, "Objectively, [Hasan] is promoting a terrible game just for the money." This comment quickly gained traction, prompting a flurry of reactions from fans and commentators alike.
In a cheeky response, the official Assassin's Creed Twitter account fired back at Musk, asking, "Is that what the guy playing your Path of Exile 2 account told you?" This reference pointed to Musk's earlier admission that he had paid others to boost his gaming accounts, raising questions about his own gaming prowess. Musk's claims of being a top-tier gamer have been met with skepticism, especially after it was revealed that he had hired players to enhance his rankings in games like Path of Exile 2 and Diablo IV.
The exchange has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many users rallying to support the Assassin's Creed account's response. Some fans expressed their amusement, stating they would now consider playing Assassin's Creed Shadows simply for the entertainment value of the back-and-forth. The humorous engagement from the game's official account has been viewed as a clever marketing strategy, effectively turning Musk's criticism into a promotional opportunity.
Despite the mixed reactions from the public, Assassin's Creed Shadows has received generally favorable reviews from critics. ComicBook.com rated the game 3.5 out of 5, highlighting its engaging action-adventure gameplay, although they noted that the story fell short of expectations. The game's developers, Ubisoft, have faced backlash not just from Musk but from various factions concerned about its representation of historical figures and events.
Marc-Alexis Côté, the executive producer for the Assassin's Creed franchise, responded to Musk's comments by asserting that they were unproductive and detrimental to the discourse surrounding the game. He stated that Musk was "feeding hatred" before the game was even released, emphasizing the need for more constructive conversations about representation in gaming.
The ongoing feud between Musk and Piker is not new; Piker has been a vocal critic of Musk for years, often challenging his views and actions in the political and gaming spheres. In response to Musk's comments, Piker retorted, "This b*tch literally paid someone to powerlevel his character in PoE2 lmao. Elon, I challenge you to a duel in Elden Ring. I will cook your fat rolling ass." This challenge further escalated the rivalry, drawing in fans and observers eager to see how the tech mogul would respond.
As the drama unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of gaming, celebrity culture, and social media dynamics. Musk's influence as a public figure and his interactions with the gaming community illustrate how online platforms can amplify conflicts and shape perceptions of both individuals and brands.
In the grand scheme of things, the controversy surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows may serve as a microcosm of broader societal debates about representation in media and the backlash that often accompanies progressive choices in storytelling. As the game continues to attract players and generate discussions, it remains to be seen how it will weather the storm of criticism and how Musk's involvement will impact its reception.
Ultimately, the clash between Musk and the Assassin's Creed franchise underscores the volatile nature of online interactions and the power of social media to influence public opinion. With the game now in the hands of millions, its success will likely hinge not only on gameplay but also on how effectively it navigates the complex landscape of cultural discourse.
