Ubisoft has issued a statement to address the concerns raised by the Japanese community regarding their upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game features a character named Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure who served the Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga in the late 16th century.
The company acknowledges the mixed reactions from fans, highlighting that while many appreciate the game, some have criticized its approach to historical accuracy. The backlash gained further attention after comments from public figures like Elon Musk, criticizing the game’s approach to diversity.
In response, Ubisoft emphasized that the Assassin’s Creed series aims to spark curiosity and encourage exploration of historical settings, rather than depicting historical events and figures accurately. They expressed deep respect for Japan’s rich heritage and clarified that the creative decisions are aimed at enhancing gameplay and entertainment.
“We sincerely apologize for any concerns caused by our promotional materials,” Ubisoft stated. They reiterated their commitment to an immersive game experience, explaining that Yasuke’s unique story makes him a fitting character to explore Feudal Japan.
Ubisoft also revealed that the game’s development included consultations with historians to ensure a respectful representation of Feudal Japan. They promised to continue refining the game based on community feedback until its release on November 15, available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Amazon Luna.
