July 3rd 2024.
The highly anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows has been met with controversy, as a petition from Japanese gamers calling for its cancellation gains traction. The main issue at hand is the game's lack of historical accuracy, with many feeling that the portrayal of samurai and other aspects of Japanese culture is disrespectful.
Since its debut in May, Shadows has faced backlash for its use of dual protagonists - Yasuke, an African samurai based on a real historical figure, and Naoe, a fictional female shinobi. Some critics have accused the game of forced diversity, sparking heated debates online.
Now, with over 38,000 signatures, the petition created by Japanese gamer Shimizu Toru has caught the attention of many. The petition addresses Ubisoft directly, calling for them to cancel the release of Shadows and show more respect and research towards Japanese history and culture.
One of the main criticisms mentioned in the petition is the game's portrayal of samurai. According to the petition, Ubisoft has ignored the fact that samurai were a higher class of warrior and should have been represented as such, rather than as servants of nobles.
Amidst the growing controversy, Ubisoft has responded to the backlash surrounding Yasuke. In an interview with Game File, Assassin's Creed boss Marc-Alexis Côté called out Elon Musk for "feeding hatred" online. Musk had previously posted that "DEI kills art", referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Côté clarified that Musk's views do not reflect the game they are building and urged players to experience it for themselves before passing judgment. He also mentioned that the game has a history of playfully altering history with known figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine in Assassin's Creed 2.
As for the portrayal of ninjas in the game and pop culture in general, there is some debate over their actual role in history. The petition does not mention this, but it is worth noting that they were primarily spies and rarely assassins.
Despite the controversy, Shadows is still set to launch on November 15, 2024 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. As with any highly-anticipated game, there are bound to be divided opinions and debates surrounding it. Only time will tell if Shadows lives up to its hype and satisfies fans' expectations.
For those interested in staying updated on all things Assassin's Creed, there are various ways to connect with the community, including email, social media, and newsletters. The site also offers a convenient way to submit letters and features for consideration.
With the release date just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how the game is received and if it can live up to the hype. Until then, fans can continue to engage in discussions and debates surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows.
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