As I reflect on the evolution of the Assassin's Creed series, particularly after experiencing the ambitious approach in Assassin's Creed Shadows, I find myself contemplating the future of dual protagonists in this beloved franchise. Simon Lemay-Comtois, the associate game director, recently shared some fascinating insights that really got me thinking about how Ubisoft Quebec approaches character design and narrative structure.

The Narrative-Driven Approach to Dual Protagonists

What really stood out to me from Lemay-Comtois's interview was the emphasis on narrative justification above all else. He made it clear that while the studio "could" implement dual protagonists again, it would only happen if there's a compelling story reason and the setting supports it. This thoughtful approach shows Ubisoft Quebec's commitment to quality storytelling rather than just implementing features for the sake of novelty.

I appreciate how they're learning from the Shadows experience, where Yasuke and Naoe offered genuinely different gameplay experiences:

• ️ Yasuke: The combat specialist who excels in direct confrontation

• 🥷 Naoe: The stealth expert who relies on agility and subtlety

This wasn't just cosmetic differences—their entire playstyles reflected their character backgrounds and roles within the game world.

The Controversy Surrounding Dual Protagonists

Lemay-Comtois was remarkably honest about how divisive this feature can be. He noted that "some people just don't like one character over the other, and they don't like to spend time with one." This resonates with my own experience discussing the game with fellow players. The polarization often falls along interesting lines:

Historical Context: Dual Protagonists in Assassin's Creed

It's fascinating to see how this concept has evolved throughout the series. Shadows wasn't the first to attempt dual protagonists, but it was definitely the most ambitious in terms of gameplay differentiation:

• Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015): Jacob and Evie Frye offered personality differences but similar gameplay

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Choice-based protagonist selection rather than true dual protagonists

• Assassin's Creed Shadows: True gameplay differentiation based on character specialties

This evolution shows Ubisoft's willingness to experiment with character dynamics while learning from previous implementations.

The Future of Dual Protagonists in Assassin's Creed

While rumors strongly suggest the next game will be a Black Flag remake (which likely means a single protagonist), I'm intrigued by the possibility of future dual-protagonist games. The key considerations Ubisoft seems to be weighing include:

✅ Narrative justification - Does the story naturally support multiple perspectives?

✅ Setting compatibility - Does the historical context lend itself to different character archetypes?

✅ Gameplay differentiation - Can the characters offer meaningfully different experiences?

✅ Player reception - How will the community respond to being forced to switch between characters?

My Personal Takeaway

As someone who's been playing Assassin's Creed since the original game, I appreciate Ubisoft Quebec's willingness to innovate while maintaining respect for the series' core identity. The dual protagonist approach, when executed well, can offer:

🎮 Enhanced replay value - Different playthroughs focusing on different characters

📖 Richer storytelling - Multiple perspectives on the same events

⚔️ Diverse gameplay - Catering to different player preferences within the same game

However, I also understand the concerns of players who prefer a single, well-developed protagonist they can fully invest in emotionally.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

With the Game Awards 2025 potentially revealing the next Assassin's Creed project, it will be interesting to see how Ubisoft incorporates these lessons. Whether we get another dual-protagonist game soon or not, I'm encouraged by the studio's reflective approach and commitment to making design decisions that serve the narrative first.

The beauty of the Assassin's Creed series has always been its ability to evolve while staying true to its core identity. As Lemay-Comtois suggested, the future of dual protagonists isn't about whether the feature returns, but about when it makes sense for the story being told. That's a philosophy I can definitely get behind as both a player and a storytelling enthusiast.