The newly releasedFar Cry 6promises series’ fans a return to open-world shenanigans, this time set on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara. Developed by Ubisoft Toronto,Far Cry 6follows protagonist Dani Rojas as they and the resistance attempt to overthrow the dictatorship ruled by Anton Castillo, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito of The Mandalorian fame.
The game has been met with generally favorable reviews, with it currently sitting at a Metacritic score of 75.Far Cry 6has been praised for its charismatic villain, sprawling open-world, and mesmerizing mayhem while being criticized for its repetition and lack of new ideas. The game also features a rather interesting mini-game that has raised a few eyebrows, as well.
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Far Cry 6allows players to participate in a cockfighting mini-game, in which they not only collect roosters but directly control them in aMortal Kombatstyle fighting game complete with a character select screen, special moves, and multiple rounds. Reactions to mode have been mixed, with some players having fun with its simplicity while others find it to be rather tone-deaf in today’s animal rights-centric climate. On October 7th, the Senior Manager of PETA’s Latino branch, Alicia Aguayo, released a statement calling on Ubisoft to remove 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.”
Interestingly, cockfighting is still considered legal in Cuba,whichFar Cry 6’s Yara is inspired by, and is quite popular in the country. The cockfighting depicted inFar Cry 6is certainly violent, and the roosters lose feathers as the fights go on, although there is no blood shown, nor do any die in the process. The gaming community seems split on the appropriateness of the inclusion of cockfighting. Some find it harmless as no real animals are being injured, while others are concerned over the implications of featuring animal cruelty in such a nonchalant manner in-game.
Of course,Far Cry 6isn’t the only game that has been targeted by the animal rights group.Animal Crossing: New Horizonswas under scrutiny from PETAfor its in-game museum and treatment of fish in the title. Still,Far Cry 6’s cockfighting mini-game is considerably more violent than anything fromAnimal Crossing. Ubisoft has yet to release a statement regarding PETA’s message.
Far Cry 6is available on Luna, PC, PS4, Ps5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.
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