Ubisoft recently introduced the game Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in ancient Japan, which sparked a multitude of controversies. One of the main issues revolves around the character Yasuke, an Afro-Japanese samurai. While Yasuke has a historical background, portraying him as a “samurai” in the game has led to heated debates among gamers, extending to other conflicting matters.
In a recent statement, Ubisoft clarified that while the Assassin’s Creed series draws inspiration from historical events, the intention is not to strictly adhere to historical accuracy or individuals from the past. The primary aim of the game is to intrigue players and encourage further exploration.
Ubisoft revealed that consultations with experts, researchers, and scholars heavily influenced the creation of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. However, the content of the game is a work of fiction, drawing inspiration from historical events and figures. The team has the creative freedom to modify the story, incorporating sci-fi elements to enhance the narrative, emphasizing creative liberty.
Regarding the debate on whether Yasuke was a samurai, the team acknowledged conflicting opinions and has deliberately integrated this issue into the game from the outset. Another significant character, Naoe, will also play a crucial role in the game’s storyline.
Some promotional materials, such as flags in the game or game-related merchandise, have unintentionally offended the Japanese community, prompting Ubisoft to issue apologies.
TLDR: Assassin’s Creed Shadows by Ubisoft sparks controversies over historical accuracy, creative liberty, and character portrayal, including an Afro-Japanese samurai, with the company emphasizing the game’s fictional nature despite drawing inspiration from history.
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