New York Times Uses Ubisoft Co-Founder's Obituary To Launder 'DEI' Complaints About An Assassin's Creed Game

June 24, 2026 - 14:54

There is an old saying about knowing the time and the place for certain things. A recent obituary published by the New York Times for a co-founder of Ubisoft has drawn sharp criticism for using the tribute to air grievances about the "Assassin's Creed" video game series.

The obituary, meant to honor the life and legacy of the late game industry figure, instead pivoted to complaints about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the latest "Assassin's Creed" title. Readers and critics alike have called the piece tone-deaf, arguing that a memorial is not the appropriate venue for a culture war critique.

The article focused heavily on the upcoming "Assassin's Creed Shadows," which features a Black samurai protagonist. The Times framed the co-founder's death as a moment to lament the direction of the franchise, suggesting that the company had strayed from its roots due to "DEI" pressures. Many saw this as a deliberate attempt to use a solemn occasion to launder political complaints under the guise of a respectful farewell.

The backlash was swift, with many pointing out that the obituary did not spend its word count celebrating the man's achievements but rather using his passing as a springboard for a targeted critique of modern game development. The incident has reignited debates about how major news outlets cover the intersection of gaming, race, and corporate policy.