Ubisoft Addresses Controversy Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft has issued a new communication in response to the backlash surrounding AC Shadows.

Ubisoft has addressed the ongoing criticisms directed at Assassin’s Creed Shadows with a new statement. Since its initial announcement earlier this year, certain Assassin’s Creed fans, particularly in Japan, have raised concerns about Ubisoft’s storytelling, characters, and marketing choices related to Shadows. In response to these complaints, Ubisoft has now released a statement regarding the upcoming open-world game.  

Published on Ubisoft’s website, the statement is targeted towards the Japanese fanbase of Assassin’s Creed. In the message, Ubisoft apologizes for the concerns raised by fans and outlines some of the intentions behind Shadows. The development team clarifies that AC Shadows is historical fiction, like the rest of the series, while striving for “authenticity”. 

“Since the reveal of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we have received positive feedback as well as criticism, including from our Japanese players. We understand your passion for history and appreciate your commitment to preserving the historical and cultural authenticity of your heritage,” the statement states. “Assassin’s Creed Shadows is primarily designed to be an enjoyable video game that tells a captivating, historical fiction story set in Feudal Japan. We worked closely with external consultants, historians, researchers, and internal teams at Ubisoft Japan to guide our creative decisions. Despite our efforts, we acknowledge that certain aspects of our promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community.”

Much of the backlash surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows revolves around Yasuke, one of the game’s main protagonists. While Yasuke was a real historical figure, there has been debate about his history and role in Feudal Japan. Ubisoft explains that Yasuke’s “mysterious life” was a key factor in choosing him as a central character in Shadows, as it offered a unique story opportunity. 

“From the beginning, the series has utilized creative freedom and added fantasy elements to craft immersive experiences. The portrayal of Yasuke in our game exemplifies this,” Ubisoft elaborates. “His extraordinary and enigmatic life made him a fitting choice to feature in an Assassin’s Creed story set in Feudal Japan. While Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding this portrayal. We have carefully integrated this into our narrative alongside our other main character, the Japanese shinobi Naoe, who plays an equally significant role in the game, offering players varied gameplay styles.”

The future trajectory of this “controversy” is uncertain. Regarding the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the game is scheduled to launch on November 15, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.