HANOVER, N.H. — Sachi Schmidt-Hori, a narrative consultant for the latest installment of the iconic Assassin’s Creed video game series, has faced a torrent of online abuse from some fans of the franchise. Despite never having played the game herself, she has turned the hostility into an opportunity to promote dialogue and understanding in an increasingly polarized online climate.
The game, released on March 20, is set in 16th-century Japan and features characters such as Naoe, a Japanese female assassin, and Yasuke, a Black African samurai. The introduction of Yasuke sparked intense debate among gamers, with some accusing Ubisoft of pushing social agendas in its storytelling. Schmidt-Hori, who holds a position as an associate professor of Japanese literature and culture at Dartmouth College, became a focal point for anger directed at the game’s narrative choices.
“Once I realized I was alone in this, with no one standing up for me, I made the decision to confront the negativity with kindness,” Schmidt-Hori remarked. The backlash intensified following the release of a promotional trailer in May 2024, leading to a barrage of personal attacks against her, including fake reviews of her scholarly work and a slew of derogatory comments targeting her academic research on gender and sexuality.
In a particularly distressing move, some critics delved into her personal life, even targeting her husband in their vitriol. “Imagine that! A professional social justice warrior distorting history for Ubisoft,” one user remarked online. Other incendiary accusations questioned her integrity as a scholar. Despite the onslaught, Schmidt-Hori was determined to confront the vitriol head-on.
Faced with overwhelming negativity, she drew inspiration from John Lewis, the late civil rights leader. “I decided to cause ‘good trouble,'” she stated, choosing to respond to some of her detractors directly. In thoughtful exchanges, she frequently invited them to discuss their grievances over Zoom. In one instance, she reached out to an influencer who had written disparaging remarks about her, questioning whether he would appreciate similar comments directed toward his family.
The responses included apologies from several users who had previously participated in the harassment. “It truly broke my heart knowing that you had suffered and canceled your class because of horrible people,” one man expressed. Another, Anik Talukder, reflected on his previous criticism of Yasuke as a character. He admitted to Schmidt-Hori that his initial post had provoked undue negativity.
Ubisoft has defended its narrative choices but has not specifically addressed the harassment Schmidt-Hori has endured. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to historical research while acknowledging the fictional nature of video games. “We do not condone harassment or bullying in any form,” the statement read, commending Schmidt-Hori for her willingness to engage with the criticism constructively.
Experts point out that online anonymity can breed hostility, complicating public discourse. Kate Mays, an assistant professor of public communication at the University of Vermont, argued that Schmidt-Hori’s approach was a strategic method to counteract the surge of negativity. “She has transformed the narrative and forced people to recognize her as a human being,” Mays noted.
As online harassment continues to be a pervasive issue, Schmidt-Hori’s efforts to promote understanding through dialogue serve as a testament to the power of empathy in the face of adversity. Her experience highlights the complexities of representation and the need for respectful discourse in discussions about diversity in media.