Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Decoding the “Adults Only” Controversy

Assassin’s Creed Mirage briefly sparked significant controversy when it was initially listed with an Adults Only (AO) rating by the ESRB and on the Xbox store. This stemmed primarily from the inclusion of the descriptor “Real Gambling”, alongside more typical Assassin’s Creed content like Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Partial Nudity. The presence of “Real Gambling” strongly suggested the presence of loot boxes or similar mechanics where players wager real money or in-game currency with real-world value on games of chance. The AO rating was unexpected for an Assassin’s Creed title and raised concerns about a departure from the franchise’s core gameplay and its perceived target audience. However, this rating was short-lived and later retracted, with the game receiving a more standard Mature (M) rating.

The Adults Only Debacle: A Misunderstanding?

The initial AO rating caused quite a stir. Assassin’s Creed, while often violent and mature, has never ventured into AO territory. The “Real Gambling” descriptor was the key trigger. An AO rating typically restricts the game’s availability significantly, limiting retail sales and affecting its reach. For a AAA title like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, this would be a major blow.

The most plausible explanation is that the “Real Gambling” descriptor was a mistake. Either it was included in error, or it referred to a feature that was ultimately removed from the final game. Ubisoft has not explicitly stated the reason for the initial AO rating, but the subsequent M rating strongly suggests that the gambling element was either absent from the start or eliminated before release. Now, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about the game and its content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the official ESRB rating for Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

The official ESRB rating for Assassin’s Creed Mirage is Mature (M) for ages 17+.

What content caused the initial Adults Only rating?

The initial, and subsequently retracted, Adults Only rating stemmed from the inclusion of the descriptor “Real Gambling” alongside other mature content.

Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage contain loot boxes or similar gambling mechanics?

Based on the current Mature (M) rating and available information, Assassin’s Creed Mirage does not appear to contain loot boxes or similar mechanics involving real gambling.

What type of mature content is present in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage contains Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Partial Nudity. These are typical elements found in previous Assassin’s Creed games.

Can I play as a female character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

No, you cannot play as a female character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The protagonist is Basim Ibn Ishaq.

Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage a return to the series’ roots?

Ubisoft has marketed Assassin’s Creed Mirage as a return to the series’ roots, focusing on stealth gameplay and a smaller, more focused open world compared to recent entries.

Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage appropriate for children?

Given the Mature (M) rating for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, and Partial Nudity, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is not appropriate for children under the age of 17.

Are there LGBT characters in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Yes, the Assassin’s Creed franchise includes LGBT characters. For example, Jacob Frye in Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate is canonically bisexual. The series has generally been praised for its increasing inclusivity. The exploration of these themes in gaming demonstrates the potential of games to reflect and explore diverse aspects of human experience and society, an area of interest for the Games Learning Society.

Can I turn off the gore in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

While specific details about the options in Assassin’s Creed Mirage are limited, previous Assassin’s Creed games have often allowed players to adjust or disable blood effects.

What is the story of Assassin’s Creed Mirage about?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage tells the story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief who becomes a member of the Hidden Ones (the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood) in 9th-century Baghdad.

Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey rated M for the same reasons as Mirage?

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is rated M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, and Strong Language. While both games share similar mature themes, the “Real Gambling” element was not a factor in Odyssey‘s rating.

Can you choose your gender in all Assassin’s Creed games?

No, not all Assassin’s Creed games allow you to choose your gender. Some games, like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, offer gender selection, while others, like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, feature a predetermined protagonist.

What is the difference between an M rating and an AO rating?

An M (Mature) rating indicates that a game is suitable for ages 17 and up, while an AO (Adults Only) rating indicates that a game is only suitable for adults 18 and older. AO-rated games often face restrictions in retail sales and marketing.

Which Assassin’s Creed game features a female assassin?

Several Assassin’s Creed games feature female assassins. Aveline de Grandpré is the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, and Kassandra is a playable protagonist in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. Also in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla you can choose female Eivor.

Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla appropriate for teenagers?

Given the Mature (M) rating and content involving violence, blood, sexual themes, and strong language, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is generally not considered appropriate for teenagers under the age of 17. It is recommended to use parental guidance.

Conclusion

The initial Adults Only rating for Assassin’s Creed Mirage was a fleeting but significant event. The inclusion of “Real Gambling” sparked immediate concern and speculation, but the subsequent revision to a Mature (M) rating suggests that this element was either a mistake or removed from the final product. Assassin’s Creed Mirage, like many of its predecessors, contains mature content and is designed for an adult audience. Ultimately, it’s important to check the official ESRB rating and content descriptors to determine if the game is suitable for your individual preferences and age appropriateness. It is beneficial to be aware of these content elements and how games such as the Assassin’s Creed franchise affect the learning and social landscape of the communities around them. GamesLearningSociety.org provides great insight and a community to explore these elements further.