Assassin’s Creed Shadows Faces Backlash in Japan Over Historical Inaccuracy
Fans in Japan have expressed disappointment with Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan. A Change.org petition, garnering nearly 50,000 signatures, criticizes the game for its portrayal of Yasuke, a real-life African samurai, and alleges a lack of historical accuracy.
Concerns about Respect
The petition argues that Yasuke wouldn’t have held the full samurai status depicted in the game. It emphasizes the hierarchical nature of feudal Japan, where samurai belonged to a higher warrior class and often served nobles as retainers. The petition views this as a major historical inaccuracy and a potential sign of cultural disrespect.
Beyond Historical Accuracy
The controversy extends beyond historical details. The petition claims the situation reflects “Asian racism” and urges Ubisoft to demonstrate better cultural sensitivity. The Japanese trailer for the game also received a negative response, with a low like-to-dislike ratio.
Franchise Friction
This isn’t the only challenge Shadows faces. Fans outside Japan have expressed concerns about the return to a large open-world RPG format, a shift that alienated some players from recent entries. The success of the smaller-scale AC Mirage in 2023 highlights this preference.
Uncertain Shadows
With its release in November approaching, Assassin’s Creed Shadows finds itself in a precarious position. Whether Ubisoft will address the concerns in Japan or adjust the game’s direction remains to be seen.
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