A piece of Far Cry 6 grafitti found in the game's Yara setting is actually a touching tribute to the director's late cat, Totoro. Ubisoft's open-world sequel features a large and lush map for players - and resident digital creatures - to explore. Far Cry 6 features multiple pets which aid the player in battle, and wild animals can also be around Yara like in previous series entries.
Far Cry 6 protagonist Dani Rojas can recruit various animal companions, known as Amigos, and they aid players in a guerilla war against Yara dictator Anton Castillo. These friendly creatures serve a variety of functions, from carrying extra supplies to killing enemy soldiers themselves. A powerful crocodile named Guapo can be tamed, and its powerful jaws allow it to mince any foes that get too close. Meanwhile, a dachshund named Chorizo is able to carry extra supplies and distract the enemy with its amazingly adorable face. Far Cry 6 even features a chicken companion, Chicharrón, who can attack and distract foes with its large talons.
Far Cry 6 director Tim Timmins has taken to Twitter to reveal an emotional in-game tribute. During the development of the open-world shooter, Timmins' beloved cat Totoro tragically passed away. The team at Ubisoft Toronto subsequently surprised Timmins by immortalizing the grey-and-white kitty in a piece of in-game graffiti, which players can find throughout the streets of Yara. The artwork includes numerous cats dressed in military attire and sporting weapons, depicting Totoro and his brother Yoshi. (It also works in the Spanish word for cats, "gatos.") While Ted Timmins now works as a creative director on Call of Duty: Warzone, the developer's lost companion leaves a permanent mark on Far Cry 6 and gaming history.
Ted Timmins' animal companion was given a touching send-off within Far Cry 6, and many other creatures are given major roles in the open-world shooter. Alongside Amigos, most wildlife encounters allow players to treat virtual animals with love, as well. Unfortunately, some have identified one aspect of the game that glorifies animal abuse. Animal rights group PETA condemns Far Cry 6's cockfighting mini-game, arguing its depiction of the pastime validates animal cruelty. The cockfighting gameplay turns the blood sport into a fighting game similar to Tekken or Mortal Kombat, complete with special moves and multiple unlockable roosters to choose from.
The death of a pet is heartbreaking, especially for owners who view their animal companions as family members, so Timmins' sudden loss of Totoro in the middle of Far Cry 6's development was likely a difficult experience. The feline has now been rendered an eternal part of a major AAA game, where he will appear in other players' living rooms across the world for years to come.
Far Cry 6 is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Amazon Luna, Google Stadia, and PC.
Source: Ted Timmins/Twitter