Since its announcement, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been receiving backlash from the community, especially in Japan. The game is set in Feudal Japan and features two protagonists Naoe, a skilled shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary African samurai.
The game has been hit with criticism due to the inclusion of a black samurai as a protagonist and critics argue that the game’s depiction of Japan is historically inaccurate and that the inclusion of Yasuke is an example of “black-washing.”
Subsequent criticism arose when Ubisoft faced backlash over promotional materials. While the company apologized, details were scarce. It’s believed the issue centred on concept art featuring a flag belonging to a modern-day Japanese historical re-enactment group, the Sekigahara Teppo-tai. This unauthorized use of the flag, despite an apology, will still appear in the collector’s edition art book.
Earlier today, Ubisoft issued a public message to Japanese fans on X/Twitter, explaining the project’s commitment to historical authenticity and apologizing for any promotional materials that may have caused concern within the community.
Ubisoft Apologies to Japanese Community After Assassin’s Creed Shadows Backlash
The four-page statement, issued in both English and Japanese, clarifies that Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a work of historical fiction rather than a factual representation. The development team emphasized the game’s intention to inspire player interest in the Feudal Japan period while acknowledging that creative liberties have been taken.
The Assassin's Creed Shadows team has a message for our Japanese community. pic.twitter.com/AIyWNU9YhG
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) July 23, 2024
The game, set in Feudal Japan, has also faced controversy over its portrayal of Yasuke, a historical figure often depicted as a Black samurai. Ubisoft defended its creative liberties in representing Yasuke as a protagonist, emphasizing the game’s fictional nature and its intention to spark interest in the historical period. While acknowledging the limited historical evidence surrounding Yasuke’s life, Ubisoft maintained that the character’s mysterious persona aligns with the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The team’s message notes that the game “will keep evolving until launch.” “Based on the constructive criticism we have received, we will continue our efforts until we put this game into your hands – and beyond,” it explains.
I feel like people have completely forgotten this screen shows up when you start ANY Assassin’s Creed
These games were always historical fictions and not meant to be literal history books representations. pic.twitter.com/k5TLEPLkd9
— Ameer (@SynthPotato) July 23, 2024
Despite the backlash, Ubisoft remains committed to the game’s development and has pledged to incorporate fan feedback.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
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