forbes.com
Ubisoft's Viral Clapback Against Elon Musk and Mark Kern
Ubisoft's official Twitter account issued a viral clapback against Elon Musk and Mark "Grummz" Kern for their criticism of Assassin's Creed Shadows, referencing Musk's Path of Exile 2 controversy and Kern's unreleased game, garnering millions of views and likes, and potentially setting a precedent for other companies facing similar harassment.
- What was the immediate impact of Ubisoft's public rebuttal of Elon Musk and Mark Kern's criticism of Assassin's Creed Shadows?
- Ubisoft, the creator of Assassin's Creed, publicly rebuked Elon Musk and Mark "Grummz" Kern for their criticism of the game's inclusion of a Black samurai character and accusations of "terrorist-platforming.
- How did Ubisoft's response connect to broader issues of online harassment and the gaming industry's response to manufactured controversies?
- This response followed months of harassment from anti-DEI groups targeting the game and its developers. Ubisoft's tweet, referencing Musk's controversy surrounding his Path of Exile 2 account, went viral, garnering millions of views and likes.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Ubisoft's actions for the relationship between game developers and online critics, and the future of online discourse around video games?
- Ubisoft's bold action could set a precedent for other game developers facing similar online harassment. The incident highlights the growing tension between game developers and online critics, and raises questions about the power of social media in shaping public discourse.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily favors Ubisoft's actions and portrayal. The headline and the overall tone celebrate Ubisoft's response to criticism. While the criticisms are mentioned, they are presented as manufactured controversies and easily dismissed hate. This positive framing could unduly influence reader perception of the events and potentially downplay legitimate concerns about game design or representation.
Language Bias
The language used, particularly words and phrases like "anti-woke," "agitator-in-chief," "manufactured controversies," and "endless hate," carries a strong negative connotation. These terms are used to describe the critics of Assassin's Creed Shadows, framing them in an unflattering light. More neutral alternatives could include "critics," "those who disagree," or "concerns raised" to present a more balanced perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the conflict between Ubisoft and Elon Musk, and the anti-DEI movement's criticism of Assassin's Creed Shadows. It mentions the inclusion of Yasuke as a source of contention but doesn't delve into the specific arguments or criticisms leveled against the character's inclusion. Further, the broader context of DEI in video games and the arguments for and against its implementation are largely absent. While brevity is understandable, these omissions could limit a reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between "woke" and "anti-woke" forces. The complexity of the arguments surrounding diversity and inclusion in video games, and the range of viewpoints within both camps, are not adequately represented. This framing could oversimplify the issue for the reader.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ubisoft's public rebuttal against Elon Musk and Mark Kern, who represent a powerful and influential anti-DEI movement, can be seen as a positive step toward reducing inequality in the gaming industry. The company's actions challenge the disproportionate influence of certain figures and narratives that frequently marginalize and silence underrepresented voices, thereby promoting a more inclusive environment. The response also stands in solidarity with employees facing harassment from this group.