Assassin’s Creed Shadows apology causes more damage than necessary

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As a long-time gamer and history enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by video games that transport me to different eras and cultures. The Assassin’s Creed series has consistently delivered immersive experiences, allowing me to explore historical periods through engaging gameplay. However, the recent controversy surrounding the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, featuring a playable Black character named Yasuke in Feudal Japan, has left me feeling disheartened and frustrated.

Video games, similar to other forms of entertainment, frequently mirror the societal contexts in which they are created. They have the power to transport us back in time and offer glimpses into different eras. The Assassin’s Creed series has been particularly successful in this regard, skillfully merging fiction and historical facts to deliver an engaging experience. However, the latest addition to the franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has faced controversy. A recent apology from Ubisoft regarding the game added another layer of intrigue to the situation.

On Taylor, the 23rd of July, Ubisoft’s developers issued an open apology on Twitter to their Japanese followers. The message expressed remorse for a specific issue but left room for various perspectives, sparking apprehension among some.

“Since the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we have received many positive reactions, but also some criticism including from you, our Japanese players,” the company said in the post. “We share your passion for history and deeply respect your care for the historical and cultural integrity of your rich heritage.”

The article will go on to discuss details using terms like “authenticity initiatives,” “artistic freedom,” and “historical influences.” It’s important to note that Assassin’s Creed video games were never meant to be accurate portrayals of history or historical figures. However, the team collaborated with external experts, historians, researchers, and Ubisoft Japan staff to guide their creative decisions.

In the ongoing post, the team discusses various aspects of their project, including the design of promotional content and portrayal of one of the two primary characters named Yasuke. The text offers an apology for certain elements in these promotional materials. However, the acknowledgement and elaboration on Yasuke’s representation raises a question about the intent behind this post.

Although we’ve put a great deal of effort into our promotions, we understand that certain aspects have raised concerns among the Japanese community. We deeply regret any misunderstanding or offense caused by these elements.

Which components are you referring to? This query could be connected to an incident that occurred several weeks ago. In late June, Ubisoft encountered controversy over the inclusion of the Sekigahara Teppotai flag in promotional materials for AC Shadows. The flag’s use was brought to light by Japanese gamers. Since Ubisoft did not have authorization to utilize this cultural symbol, they issued an apology to the affected community. It is understandable why this apology was extended to Japanese fans and gamers.

If the company isn’t addressing the issue with how they portrayed Yasuke in their presentation, then what’s the purpose of bringing him up during their apology? The final slide in their series is what’s raising doubts about the sincerity of their apology.

Since the beginning, our series has used imaginative freedom and added fantasy aspects to create captivating and absorbing worlds. The portrayal of Yasuke in our game serves as an example. Given his intriguing and enigmatic past, he was a perfect fit for spinning an Assassin’s Creed tale against the Feudal Japan backdrop. However, please note that in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke is shown as a samurai. We understand that this may be a topic of debate and further exploration.

When Yasuke was unveiled as a playable character in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows during the game’s announcement, a heated cultural debate ensued. Social media users voiced their disapproval on various platforms like YouTube and Twitter, recording their reactions to criticize the concept of controlling a Black man in a Feudal Japanese-themed game. Their complaints were usually cloaked as concerns that an anticipated Assassin’s Creed title set in Japan would not feature a male Japanese protagonist. However, Naoe, the female Japanese shinobi protagonist, is often overlooked in these discussions, with the focus solely on opposing Yasuke’s inclusion.

It’s not surprising that there’s debate over Yasuke’s role in Japanese history. Some believe he was a samurai, while others hold different views, but we have limited historical records to support any claim. So why has the release of a game featuring this character sparked intense reactions, with over 100,000 people signing petitions and calling for its cancellation? Critics argue that those pushing for the game’s demise are using terms like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and “Woke” as cover for more malicious intentions. Many are concerned that Ubisoft may be prioritizing these voices over others in their public apology.

The controversy surrounding this development has gained significant attention, leading some to speculate that the Japanese government may be involved due to rumors of an investigation into the game and its creation. However, Satoshi Hamada raises concerns over the depiction of Yasuke in the game, despite similar portrayals in other forms of entertainment. These claims were put to rest on July 24 when Sankei reported that there was no ongoing investigation. This information was also confirmed by Hirun Cryer of Games Radar.

Yasuke shares characteristics with renowned American figures such as Davy Crockett and John Henry, who lived in early American history and whose exploits have been exaggerated over time. Yasuke has appeared as a samurai in various forms of media including films, plays, comics, manga, anime, and video games like Samurai Warriors 5, Nioh, and Guilty Gear Strive’s inspired character.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve experienced my fair share of intense discussions and debates in the gaming community. However, none of the previous controversies prepared me for the intensity of the reaction towards Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or Shadows as some call it. This situation brings us back to the heart of current societal debates.

As a dedicated gamer who’s been following the Assassin’s Creed series since its debut in 2007, I’ve witnessed the release or development of no less than 31 titles within this captivating franchise. Each game starts with a gentle reminder that the storyline is an imaginative interpretation of real historical events. The creators have never shied away from bending the truth when it comes to portraying figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Blackbeard, Charles Dickens, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Cleopatra. There’s never been a public outcry or apology concerning these creative liberties taken. However, with the introduction of Yasuke as a playable character, some critics have raised concerns. But let me tell you, this is just a smokescreen for the real reason behind the backlash – an underlying dissatisfaction with the series’ storytelling and historical accuracy that goes beyond any single character.

It is important for Ubisoft to issue an apology for using a Japanese group’s flag without obtaining their consent. However, there is no need for the company to apologize for how they portrayed a historical figure if this representation aligns with how that figure has been depicted in other mediums. The current controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s portrayal of a Japanese character should not be dismissed, but it is essential to note that some criticism may be driven by hateful agendas that have deeply rooted presence in society today. As the launch date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on November 15 draws closer, it is expected that this issue will continue to generate controversy.

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2024-07-26 15:28