Far Cry 6’s recent release has promised fans of the franchise even more open-world activities, this time based on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara.
The game, developed by Ubisoft Toronto, follows the adventures of Dani Rojas and the resistance as they try to overthrow the local dictator Anton Castillo. But, as with all Far Cry games, there are other things to do while you fight for freedom, and PETA has a problem with one of the activities included.
The game has been met with pretty positive reviews and currently sits at a Metacritic score of 75. The game has been praised for the charismatic antagonist, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, sprawling open-world, and mesmerizing mayhem. But it has also been criticized for repetition and a lack of new ideas.
One of the new additions to Far Cry 6 allows players to participate in a cockfighting mini-game, where they not only collect roosters but directly control them in a Mortal Kombat style fighting game. Players will see the typical character selection screen to choose their rooster, every rooster has a special move, and the mini-game features multiple rounds too.
Reactions to the mini-game have been mixed, with some having fun, thanks to the simplicity and just overall goofiness, while others feel it is tone-deaf in today’s animal rights-centric climate. Alicia Aguayo, Senior Manager of PETA’s Latino branch, has released a statement on October 7th asking Ubisoft to remove the cockfighting from the game.
Turning a horrific blood sport like cockfighting into a Mortal Kombat–style video game match is a far cry from real innovation, as today’s society is strongly opposed to forcing animals to fight to the death. Roosters used in cockfights are fitted with sharp spurs that tear through flesh and bone, causing agonizing and fatal injuries. PETA Latino urges Ubisoft to replace this reprehensible minigame with one that doesn’t glorify cruelty.
Alicia Aguayo, Senior Manager of PETA Latino Branch
Cockfighting is still considered legal in Cuba, a country that has had a lot of inspiration for Far Cry 6’s Yara, and is quite a popular activity in the country. The cockfighting shown in Far Cry 6 is definitely violent, with roosters losing feathers as the fights go on, but there is no blood shown, and neither do they die in the process.
The community themselves seem split on the appropriateness of the inclusion of this mini-game. Some feel it is harmless as no actual animals are being harmed, while others are concerned about the implications of showcasing animal cruelty in such a nonchalant manner in-game.
Ubisoft has yet to release a statement regarding PETA’s message.
About Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 is the latest insallment in the Far Cry series developed and published by Ubisoft. The game is an open-world, first-person action adventure title, and is set for a 2021 release.
Players will take control of Dani Rojas, a freedom fighting guerrilla, who is trying to overthrow the local dictator Anton Castillo. Far Cry 6 is based on the fictional island of Yara, and has been called the largest map of any Far Cry game yet. Players will have access to a variety of hand-made weapons and local vehicles in their fight against the forces of Castillo.
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