Assassin's Creed Shadows' lead developer assures players that choosing a single protagonist won't significantly impact their experience. The game offers two playable characters: Naoe, a female shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai—a choice that has generated pre-release discussion.

Concerns arose that focusing on one character might lead to missed story elements or gameplay. Creative director Jonathan Dumont addressed these concerns, describing his own balanced approach: "I switch between characters, maybe 3-5 hours with one, then 2-3 with the other."

However, Dumont clarified that prioritizing one character won't be detrimental. While each protagonist boasts unique opening sequences and personal storylines, the core narrative adapts to the player's choice. He encourages players to follow their preferences: "You won't miss much. It depends on your playstyle. Each hero has unique introductions and quests, but the main experience is adaptable. Choose your favorite, the story will adjust."