Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, the latest installment in Ubisoft’s popular video game franchise, launched on Thursday and has received largely positive reviews and impressive sales figures. However, the game has also sparked controversy, particularly among some anti-“woke” critics who are unhappy with its storyline featuring a Black samurai and options for LGBTQ character relationships. Additionally, concerns have been raised by the Japanese government regarding the violence depicted in this feudal Japan-set game.
The release of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has ignited controversy in Japan, primarily due to concerns about how players can interact with Japanese cultural sites. Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan’s National Diet, expressed his apprehensions during a legislative meeting earlier this week. According to multiple reports, including coverage from IGN, Kada indicated that enabling players to attack and destroy real-world locations in the game could potentially encourage similar behavior in real life. He emphasized the importance of respecting cultural heritage, stating, “Defacing a shrine in real life would be an insult to the nation itself.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba echoed these sentiments, advocating for discussions with the culture ministry and other relevant agencies to address the issue. Although it remains uncertain whether any formal action will be taken, Kada took to social media to voice his concerns about the potential disrespect the game may convey towards Japanese culture. In response, Ubisoft released a patch on the game's launch day, making certain objects in temples and shrines indestructible and reducing bloodshed in those areas. Ubisoft has not commented on whether this patch was a direct response to the Japanese government's feedback.
Another layer of controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed: Shadows involves its inclusion of optional same-sex relationship storylines. Some players expressed dissatisfaction with the possibility of a same-sex romance between the character Yasuke and another character named Ibuki, who identifies as nonbinary. In response to the criticism, the official Assassin’s Creed account on X defended the feature, reminding users that “flirting in RPG games is always optional.” While some critics claim this aspect is unnecessary, it is worth noting that players have had the opportunity to engage in same-sex relationships in previous titles within the franchise.
Yasuke, the main character in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, has become a focal point of controversy. Based on the historical figure of the same name, who is regarded as the first Black samurai, Yasuke’s portrayal has raised eyebrows due to his non-native status in Japan. The game’s developers explained that they selected Yasuke for his rich historical background, which allows for creative storytelling. Game director Charles Benoit noted that Yasuke’s outsider perspective enhances the player's journey of discovery throughout Japan.
Right-wing critics, including YouTuber Tim Pool and Daily Wire hosts Brett Cooper and Michael Knowles, have voiced their disapproval of Yasuke's character. Even billionaire Elon Musk weighed in, criticizing the character’s inclusion and suggesting that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are detrimental to artistic expression. Historical accounts suggest that Yasuke, who may have originated from Mozambique, arrived in Japan in the late 16th century as part of a Jesuit mission led by Alessandro Valignano, ultimately serving the warlord Oda Nobunaga.
The Japanese gaming community has also reacted to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, with some players criticizing the game for historical inaccuracies. Complaints have been directed at elements like architectural details and the use of Chinese subtitles in promotional materials instead of Japanese. In July, Ubisoft issued an apology to Japanese fans, acknowledging that some aspects of their promotional content had caused concern. The company maintained that the game was designed to be a “compelling historical fiction,” clarifying that it was not intended to serve as a factual representation of history.
As Assassin’s Creed: Shadows continues to gain traction among players, the discussions surrounding its content reflect broader societal debates on representation in media. The game's reception highlights the challenges developers face in balancing creative storytelling with cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy.
