A pre-order listing had an ‘Adults Only 18+’ rating, warning of “Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Partial Nudity” and “Real Gambling.”
This final label prompted considerable debate among fans online. Many wondered whether Ubisoft’s upcoming release would allow players to spend real money in-game, either on items such as loot boxes or in a manner resembling an online casino.
However, others thought the listing – which appeared in the US Xbox store – was a mistake. Previous instalments, such as Mirage’s immediate forerunner, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, have featured mini games that involve betting with in-game currency, but no title has yet contained real gambling.
Any confusion was laid to rest when Ubisoft released a statement. The developer said the Adults Only rating was indeed an error, and informed fans that Mirage will not feature real gambling or loot boxes.
“Following the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Mirage during Ubisoft Forward, some store pages mistakenly displayed the game for pre-orders with an Adults Only ESRB rating,” a Ubisoft spokesperson told video game news outlet Eurogamer.
“While Assassin’s Creed Mirage is still pending rating, Ubisoft wants to reassure players that no real gambling or loot boxes are present in the game.”
To this end, the listing has since changed to “Rating Pending Likely 17+.” Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which was announced during Ubisoft’s Forward event, is scheduled for release in 2023.
The game will serve as a soft prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, following a character named Basim during his earlier years.
