‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Launches Amid Cultural and Historical Debates

Ubisoft’s latest game, set in 16th-century Japan, faces backlash over cultural representation, historical liberties, and inclusivity while receiving praise for its artistic and technical achievements.

The game features two protagonists: a ninja assassin named Naoe and Yasuke, a black samurai, whose historical accuracy has been questioned by critics and historians.
A petition in Japan with over 100,000 signatures criticized the portrayal of Yasuke as a samurai, citing concerns about cultural respect and historical authenticity.
Ubisoft consulted historians to ensure historical accuracy but defended its creative liberties, emphasizing the fictional nature of the game’s narrative.
The Japanese version of the game includes reduced graphic violence and modified dialogues to address cultural sensitivities following criticism of in-game depictions of Shinto shrines.
Despite the controversies, the game has been praised for its detailed recreation of feudal Japan, innovative dual-character gameplay, and immersive open-world design.