Ubisoft has responded to player backlash regarding one of the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows with a detailed statement addressing its approach to history.
The studio posted the statement on X (formerly Twitter) and on its website, acknowledging criticism from various sources, including Japanese players who criticized the portrayal of Yasuke, a legendary African samurai, one of the main characters in the game alongside the Japanese shinobi Naoe. In response, Ubisoft clarified that its Assassin’s Creed games are works of historical fiction crafted with input from historians and extensive research.
“Our intention has never been to present our Assassin’s Creed games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as accurate historical representations or portrayals of historical figures,” the statement states. “Rather, our goal is to spark curiosity and encourage players to delve deeper into and learn about the historical settings that inspire us. Despite our efforts, we understand that some aspects of our promotional materials have raised concerns within the Japanese community, and for this, we offer our sincere apologies.”
The statement also hinted at the game’s storyline, suggesting that the mystery surrounding Yasuke’s true life is interwoven into the narrative. “While Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we recognize that this is open to debate and discussion. We have integrated this aspect carefully into our storyline, alongside our other main character, the Japanese shinobi Naoe, who holds equal importance in the game.”
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows team has a message for our Japanese community. pic.twitter.com/AIyWNU9YhG
— Assassin’s Creed (@assassinscreed) July 23, 2024
Regarding the historical accuracy of Yasuke, Ubisoft’s presentation has been questioned due to the lack of documentation about his life, such as whether he was truly a samurai. Despite this, it is acknowledged that Yasuke did exist and served under Oda Nobunaga. In the official Assassin’s Creed Shadows announcement, Ubisoft referred to Yasuke as a “real-life historical samurai,” marking the first time the company has featured a real-world figure as a protagonist in an Assassin’s Creed game.
In an interview with Xbox Wire, game director Charles Benoit emphasized, “Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its portrayal of history and accurate representation of the world, which players can expect in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.”
Ubisoft has consistently highlighted the fictional nature of its works, as seen in the disclaimer at the beginning of each Assassin’s Creed game stating that they are fictional works “inspired by historical events and characters.” The game’s world incorporates elements of magic and mythology, making it clear that historical events are used as a backdrop.
Aside from criticism from Japanese players, the game has also become a focal point in a Western culture debate. X owner Elon Musk controversially stated, “DEI kills art,” following the Shadows announcement. Marc-Alexis Côté, series vice president executive producer, expressed his reluctance to engage directly with Musk’s comments, citing the promotion of hatred and negativity.
