Ubisoft has acknowledged the Japanese community’s concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The next part in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is set to release later this year, but ahead of launch the development team has released a statement in response to some concerns from the Japanese fanbase.
“For many of our team, creating a Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan has been a long-held dream,” the post read. “Since the announcement of Assassin’s Creed ShadowsWe have received a lot of positive feedback, but also some criticism, including from you, our Japanese players. We share your passion for history and have great respect for your concern for the historical and cultural integrity of your rich heritage.”
The studio further explained that it put a lot of effort into creating an “immersive and respectful representation of feudal Japan” by working with historians and researchers. However, the company stated that it never intended for games in the series to be based on a factual representation of history or historical characters.
However, it was also acknowledged that “some elements in our promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community” and an apology was offered. It was also stated that the game will continue to evolve until its release.
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows team has a message for our Japanese community. pic.twitter.com/AIyWNU9YhGJuly 23, 2024
“All game footage presented to date is in development, and the game will continue to evolve until launch,” the post continued. “Based on the constructive criticism we’ve received, we will continue our efforts until we put this game in your hands — and beyond.”
Ubisoft has also responded to the ongoing negative reactions surrounding one of Shadows‘ playable protagonist, Yasuke.
Yasuke is based on a true historical figure, a samurai of African descent who arrived in Japan in 1579, lived during the Sengoku period, and served the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga.
Yasuke’s origins have been a topic of debate since his revelation, despite experts who claim that he was indeed a samurai at that time.
Ubisoft explained that it has always taken historical figures and events and incorporated them into the fantasy elements of the series “to create compelling and immersive experiences” and said that the portrayal of Yasuke in Shadows is illustrative of this.
“His unique and mysterious life made him the ideal candidate to tell an Assassin’s Creed story set in feudal Japan,” the magazine said, acknowledging that his portrayal of the samurai is “a matter of debate and discussion.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on November 15 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, and PC.