What is the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

The controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows is due to the portrayal of Yasuke, a Black Samurai, which has sparked debate over historical accuracy.

Who was Yasuke in Japanese history?

Yasuke was a historical figure known to have served under Oda Nobunaga in feudal Japan, originally from Africa and gaining significant attention upon his arrival around 1579.

What did Ubisoft say in their apology about the depiction of Yasuke?

Ubisoft expressed regret over the unintended distress caused by their promotional materials, acknowledging that some elements have caused concern within the Japanese community, and they sincerely apologized.

Why is Yasuke’s status as a samurai debated?

Yasuke’s status as a samurai is debated due to the limited documentation available, with some historians asserting that he was granted samurai status by Nobunaga, while others remain skeptical.

What did Ubisoft clarify about the involvement of external consultants and historians?

Ubisoft clarified that while they have been consulting with many people throughout the development process, these consultants and historians are in no way responsible for the decisions taken by the creative teams.

How has the gaming community reacted to Ubisoft’s apology?

The apology has elicited mixed reactions from the gaming community and historians alike, with some appreciating the acknowledgment and transparency, while others continue to voice concerns over historical accuracy and representation.

What is the relationship between history and popular culture as demonstrated by this controversy?

The ongoing debate about Yasuke’s legacy serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between history and popular culture, demonstrating the challenges of balancing creative storytelling with historical accuracy.

Ubisoft Apologizes for Yasuke Depiction in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Q: How did Ubisoft address the concerns about historical accuracy?

Ubisoft acknowledged the debate and stated that while Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, they recognize that this is a matter of debate and discussion.

ASSASIN CREED SHADOWS

Ubisoft has recently addressed the controversy surrounding their upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, due to the portrayal of Yasuke, a Black Samurai. The development team issued a detailed apology on social media platforms in both English and Japanese, specifically addressing their Japanese fanbase. This statement acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and the ongoing debate regarding Yasuke’s historical accuracy as a samurai.

Background of the Controversy

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, features Yasuke, a historical figure known to have served under Oda Nobunaga. Yasuke’s exact status as a samurai has been a subject of historical debate due to the limited documentation available. Some scholars, like the renowned historian Hirayama, have asserted that Yasuke was granted samurai status by Nobunaga, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion.

Ubisoft’s Apology and Clarifications

In their statement, Ubisoft expressed regret over the unintended distress caused by their promotional materials. “Despite these sustained efforts, we acknowledge that some elements in our promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community. For this, we sincerely apologize,” the company stated.

They further acknowledged the debate about Yasuke’s role, saying, “While Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we recognize that this is a matter of debate and discussion.”

The Assassin's Creed Shadows team has a message for our Japanese community. pic.twitter.com/AIyWNU9YhG
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) July 23, 2024

Historical Context and Yasuke’s Legacy

Yasuke, originally from Africa, is known to have arrived in Japan around 1579. Serving under Oda Nobunaga, he gained significant attention and is documented in various historical records. The controversy stems from differing interpretations of these records, with some historians asserting Yasuke’s status as a samurai, while others remain skeptical due to the lack of extensive documentation.

Creative Decisions and Consultation Process

Ubisoft clarified that their portrayal of Yasuke was a creative decision aimed at enhancing gameplay and entertainment. They emphasized that external consultants and historians involved in the development process were not responsible for these decisions. “We also want to clarify that while we have been consulting with many people throughout the development process, they are in no way responsible for the decisions taken by the creative teams,” Ubisoft noted.

Community Reactions and Future Steps

The apology has elicited mixed reactions from the gaming community and historians alike. While some appreciate the acknowledgment and transparency, others continue to voice concerns over historical accuracy and representation.

Ubisoft has committed to ongoing dialogue with the community and historians to ensure that future portrayals are handled with greater sensitivity and accuracy. The development team aims to strike a balance between creative storytelling and respect for historical figures and events.

The depiction of Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows highlights the complexities of portraying historical figures in modern media. Ubisoft’s response underscores the importance of community feedback and the need for ongoing consultation with experts. As the game’s release approaches, it remains to be seen how these discussions will shape the final product and its reception among gamers and historians alike.

By addressing these concerns and engaging in open dialogue, Ubisoft demonstrates a commitment to improving representation and accuracy in their games. The ongoing debate about Yasuke’s legacy serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between history and popular culture.

PulsePix