Ubisoft Responds to Japanese Community Concerns Over Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Developers Respond to Feedback from Japanese Community Ubisoft has addressed the concerns of the Japanese community regarding Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The upcoming installment in the Assassin’s Creed series is scheduled for release later this year. Ahead of its launch, the development team has issued a statement in response to feedback from Japanese fans.
“Our team has long held the dream of creating an Assassin’s Creed game set in Feudal Japan,” the statement reads. “Since announcing Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we have received numerous positive reactions, along with some criticism from our Japanese players. We share your passion for history and deeply respect your concerns regarding the historical and cultural authenticity of your rich heritage.”
The studio emphasizes that it has dedicated significant effort to ensuring an “immersive and respectful representation of Feudal Japan” by consulting historians and researchers. However, it clarifies that the series has never aimed to present a factual depiction of history or historical figures.
Acknowledging the concerns raised within the Japanese community about certain elements in promotional materials, Ubisoft has apologized and pledged ongoing development to address these issues before the game’s release.
“All footage shown is still in development, and the game will continue to evolve until launch,” the statement continues. “Based on constructive criticism, we are committed to refining the game further to meet your expectations and beyond.”
Ubisoft also addressed the controversy surrounding one of Shadows’ playable characters, Yasuke, based on the real-life historical figure—a samurai of African origin who served under Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period.
“While Yasuke’s portrayal in Shadows draws from his unique and mysterious life, we understand that his depiction as a samurai remains a topic of debate,” Ubisoft explains. “We integrate historical figures and events with fantasy elements in Assassin’s Creed to create engaging and immersive experiences.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on November 15 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, and PC.