Assassin's Creed Shadows' lead developer assures players that choosing a single protagonist won't significantly impact their experience. The game features two playable characters: Naoe, a female shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai, whose inclusion 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: He alternates between Naoe and Yasuke, playing several hours with one before switching to the other.
However, Dumont emphasizes that players are free to prioritize their preferred character without significant detriment. While each protagonist boasts unique introductory sequences and personal storylines, the core narrative adapts to the player's choice. He encourages players to play as they wish:
"The game's designed so you won't miss much, regardless of your choice. It's all about personal preference. You can experiment to see how the game reacts to your character selection. Each hero has their own unique start and personal quests, but the overall experience is flexible and adapts to your favorite."