During Ubisoft’s annual shareholders meeting in Paris on July 10, CEO Yves Guillemot faced pointed questions regarding two hot-button issues that have stirred controversy in the gaming community: the "Stop Killing Games" petition and the ongoing backlash against the company’s portrayal of historical figures in its games.
The event, which was attended by investors and industry insiders, took a heated turn when a shareholder seized the opportunity to directly address the CEO about the company’s direction and its recent controversies. Among the most pressing topics was the "Stop Killing Games" petition, which has gathered over a million signatures. The petition calls for publishers to ensure that games remain accessible and playable long after official support ends.
The shareholder specifically referenced Ubisoft’s decision to shut down the online servers for The Crew in early 2024, a move that sparked outrage among players and led to a class-action lawsuit filed against the company in California in November 2024. Although Ubisoft attempted to have the case dismissed in April 2025, the issue remains a hot topic within the gaming community.
In addition to the petition, the shareholder raised concerns over Ubisoft’s handling of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, a game that features Yasuke, a 16th-century African samurai. The questioner accused Ubisoft of embracing a "woke" agenda, questioning the company’s decision to spotlight a historical figure in this manner and criticizing the alleged political motivations behind the choice.
"How do you explain Ubisoft's deteriorating reputation?" the shareholder asked, before adding, "Is there room for the entertainment world for that kind of stance? Or are you going to backtrack on that leftist political agenda?"
Guillemot responded to the question regarding Assassin’s Creed: Shadows by defending the historical accuracy of Yasuke's inclusion. “Yasuke was a real person who existed, and showcasing that character has been extremely successful,” he said. “That is why we decided to tell that story.”
On the matter of the "Stop Killing Games" petition and The Crew's shutdown, Guillemot acknowledged the concerns raised by players, especially those who felt that they were no longer able to access content they had purchased. "When players buy an Ubisoft game, they do not own it," the CEO stated, adding that Ubisoft provides clear warnings when a game is set to be discontinued.
“We provide information on how long a game can be played, and players are forewarned when a game is about to be discontinued,” Guillemot explained. “You provide a service, but nothing is written in stone. At some point, the service may be discontinued. Nothing is eternal.”
Guillemot further emphasized that Ubisoft, along with the broader gaming industry, is actively working on solutions to mitigate the impact of game shutdowns. “That’s something we’re working on, to minimise the impact on players,” he said. “Clearly, this is a far-reaching issue, and we are working on it.”
More:Ubisoft Reveals New Co-Ceos
Read
Source Editing
Visual Editing
Related news
