Assassin's Creed Shadows' lead developer assures players that choosing a single protagonist won't significantly impact the overall experience. The game features two playable characters: Naoe, a female shinobi, and 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: "I switch between characters, maybe 3-5 hours with one, then 2-3 with the other."
However, Dumont clarified that prioritizing one character won't hinder the player's progress. While each protagonist boasts unique opening sequences and personal storylines, the game dynamically adjusts to the player's preference. He encourages players to follow their instincts: "You won't miss much. It depends on your playstyle. Experiment with character selection and see how the game adapts. Each has unique introductions and quests, but the core experience remains flexible. Play your favorite; the narrative will follow suit."