Ubisoft Lets Players Skip Controversial Black Samurai in Assassin's Creed Shadows

In a recent interview with Ebaster, creative director Jonathan Dumont of Ubisoft hinted at an adjustment in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, allowing players to opt out of controlling the game’s Black samurai protagonist, Yasuke, for any reason. This change is being seen by many as Ubisoft acknowledging the widespread discontent surrounding Yasuke and attempting to appease frustrated fans who have expressed concerns about his inclusion in the game.

During the interview, Dumont guaranteed that players could concentrate solely on playing as either character within the game, disregarding the other, without losing out on the essential gameplay elements.

Dumont expressed that it’s unlikely you’re significantly missing out by skipping one of the game’s main characters. Instead, he suggested that your decision on which character to choose is more about curiosity – wanting to see how the game will adjust slightly based on your selection.

But it was his next line that raised eyebrows.

If you have a personal preference for one character, you can spend quite a lot of time in the game by choosing to play with that particular character.” He said this statement, which appears straightforward on the surface, has generated considerable discussion. With the ongoing controversy surrounding Yasuke, some interpret it as Ubisoft subtly addressing the issue without directly engaging with it. Critics view this as Ubisoft providing a convenient option for players to bypass using the character whose inclusion in the game has ignited heated discussions for months.

In my humble opinion as a movie reviewer, Naoe delivers a quintessential Assassin’s Creed adventure, harkening back to the stealth-centric roots of the franchise, much like the recent Assassin’s Creed Mirage. However, Yasuke presents a different side of the coin, offering an action-packed combat style reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. Notably, according to Dumont, both characters have their distinct storylines, but the majority of the game is playable with either protagonist, providing a versatile experience for players.

This announcement is being made amidst a significant wave of criticism that Ubisoft has encountered concerning Shadows, with many complaints focusing on the choice of Yasuke as the main character. Fans have been eagerly anticipating an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan, and they had envisioned a traditional Japanese samurai or ninja as the lead character. However, Ubisoft’s decision to focus on Yasuke, a historical figure with limited impact on Japanese history according to existing records, has been perceived as prioritizing contemporary social trends over historical accuracy.

The debate over Yasuke’s presence in Shadows isn’t the sole problem that the game has encountered; Ubisoft has faced continuous criticism due to historical inconsistencies and portrayals perceived as culturally insensitive. One significant instance involved the representation of the Itate Hyozu Jinja shrine, an active Shinto temple today. In Shadows, players are allowed to enter the sanctum and demolish its interiors, including breaking the altar. This action prompted the temple to file a formal complaint against Ubisoft, labeling the representation as offensive and disrespectful.

Beyond this, Ubisoft was compelled to issue an apology over using the Sekigahara Rifle Corps’ banner in their artwork without proper consent, and they faced significant criticism for a collector’s statue depicting a damaged torii gate that bore a striking resemblance to the famous image of the Hiroshima gate post-atomic bombing. The manufacturer of the collectible figure, PureArts, pulled the statue from sale following a wave of public outcry.

Delays in releasing the game have certainly tarnished its reputation. Initially set for November 2024, Shadows was moved to February 2025 and then further to March 20, 2025—a date that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack, a tragic event in Japan’s modern history. The choice to launch the game on such a solemn and meaningful day has been met with criticism, being deemed either oblivious or disrespectful.

Make ‘Work in Progress’ stand out more.” This response, which seemed oblivious to the issue at hand, showcased the company’s reluctance to accept helpful suggestions. This has been a recurring issue during the game’s challenging production phase.

With Dumont’s statement that players have the ability to bypass Yasuke for any reason, it seems like Ubisoft is implicitly acknowledging the criticism while trying to minimize additional harm. Given that Ubisoft previously asserted that their game would demonstrate profound cultural respect and historical precision, the escalating disputes appear to contradict this claim.

The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a significant title for Ubisoft, as they have experienced a decline in market value in recent times. With investors becoming impatient and players growing more vocal about game-related issues, this latest move might not be enough to quell concerns. For many, the repeated cultural mishaps and dismissive attitude of Ubisoft towards its fans have already severely damaged the reputation of the franchise.

2025-02-17 19:55

Ubisoft Lets Players Skip Controversial Black Samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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