The anticipation for Assassin’s Creed Shadows was noticeable among fans, especially with its promise to transport players to the intriguing world of feudal Japan.
However, upon its release, the game became a focal point of controversy in Japan.
Let’s delve into the Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy that has emerged in the minds of Japanese ministers.
What is the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Controversy all about?
There are four major controversies that are roaming around this game. We will begin with historical accuracy and creative storytelling, The Inclusion of Yasuke: A Historical Perspective, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” Facing Anti-”woke” Backlash and What did the Japanese PM say about the controversy?
1) Historical Accuracy and Creative Storytelling
The balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling is a tightrope many historical fiction games walk. Assassins Creed Shadows is no exception.
This game immerses players in the Sengoku period.
But, before we continue further, we must know what the Sengoku period was and when it began.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Japan saw continuous civil wars and social instability; hence, that period is known as the Sengoku era (1467-1603).
The Ōnin War (1467) or the Meiō incident [ja] (1493) are often used as beginning dates; however, opposing historiographies exist for the conclusion date.
The period connects with the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and was distinguished by the deposing of a higher authority by a subordinate one.
For instance, the Ashikaga shogunate fell, and the local Sengoku daimyo gained more political power.
Enough with the history lesson; let us come back to Assassin’s Creed Shadows Japan. Some Japanese critics commented that while the game’s scenery and character development were admirable, certain elements were not presented as per historical records.
They did, however, agree that, as a work of historical fiction, some degree of creative license is to be anticipated and can improve the narrative.
2) The Inclusion of Yasuke: A Historical Perspective
Yasuke portrays a formidable samurai warrior who was transported to Japan by Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano, where he met Japanese warrior Oda Nobunaga, who enlisted him in his army.
You are thinking, who is this guy, Oda Nobunaga?
Nobunaga was a notable Japanese daimyō, known as the Tenka-bito and the first “Great Unifier” of Japan. He came to be also known as the “Demon Daimyō” or “Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.”
He was one of three major unifiers of Japan, along with Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
During Nobunaga’s reign, also known as the Azuchi-Momoyama era, he fought against other daimyō, with his fortress located at Azuchi, Shiga, and Hideyoshi’s in Momoyama.
Coming to controversy, it all began when Yasuke was made one of the main protagonists of the game. This made critics irk, they think it is historically improper.
Matthew Thompson, an assistant professor of premodern Japanese literature at Sophia University, feels that the game would incite hostility from Japan’s established cultural beliefs, particularly those who have conservative or patriotic views on specific historical issues.
What he said was right, and that turned out to be one of the major reasons for controversy.
3) “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” Facing Anti-”woke” Backlash
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Woke controversy took place when users pointed out a same-sex love story in the “Assassin’s Creed” X game. The official account reacted, claiming that flirting in RPG games remains voluntary.
Some people argue that this is not a new feature, as same-sex partnerships were allowed in prior Assassin’s Creed games. The account stressed that flirting is always an option in RPG games.
4) What did the Japanese PM say about the controversy?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy began when Hiroyuki Kada, a Japanese politician and member of the House of Councillors of Japan, was asked a question about Ubisoft Assassin Creed Shadows. Kada, who will run for re-election this summer, stated:
“I’m concerned that enabling users to assault and destroy real-world locations in the game with no authorization may promote similar conduct in real life. Shrine officials and locals are also concerned about this. Obviously, freedom of expression must be protected, but activities that disrespect local customs should be avoided.”
Prime Minister Ishiba has stated that
“We will consider how to resolve this legally with the Ministries of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, and Foreign Affairs.
Defacing a temple is unacceptable; it is an insult to the nation itself. We made sure that the Self-Defense Forces learned Islamic practices before being dispatched to Samawah, Iraq. Respecting a country’s culture and religion is vital, and we must make it clear to others that we will not tolerate behaviors that disrespect them.”
5) Community Responses
It has been just a week since Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release, and gamers have shown a lot of love. Assassin’s Creed Shadows player count also increased by over 3 million, overtaking the success of Origins and Valhalla.
Despite Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy, both Assassin’s Creed Shadows reviewers and fans gave positive feedback and were acclaimed for their unique characters and medieval Japanese setting.
Lastly, it is the franchise’s fourteenth main entry after 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
FAQs
The critics say that Yasuke was not a real samurai and that they should have cast a Japanese man as the protagonist.
The anger toward Shadows stems from various sources, including Japan’s offense, historical romance inaccuracy, and outrage at Yasuke’s portrayal in a series that maintains a distance from reality.
Ubisoft is facing Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy for their “Ubisoft Formula”, protagonist involvement in AC: Shadows, and marketing strategies such as pricing and subscriptions.
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows includes some adult content.
Conclusion
In the end, Assassin’s Creed Shadows developers apologized for their promotional strategy on historical representation and cultural sensitivity.
Despite Assassin’s Creed Shadows controversy, it offers an immersive journey into feudal Japan, and highlights the importance of approaching cultural storytelling with nuance and respect.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it becomes imperative for developers to engage in open dialogues with diverse communities, ensuring that stories are told authentically and inclusively.
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