Ubisoft’s Day 1 Patch: Outcry Forces Removal of Controversial Shrine Destruction in AC Shadows

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The much-anticipated game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has officially hit the market, yet it was accompanied by a last-minute adjustment that sheds light on Ubisoft’s challenging debut of

Ubisoft’s recent patch subtly changes the way you interact with shrines in the game, preventing players from destroying objects like tables, racks, and altars within them. This adjustment was made following criticism from Japanese politician Hiroyuki Kada, who found issue with preview footage showing the destruction of shrine interiors. The concern was also shared by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who deemed the damage to shrines as an affront to the nation and underscored the significance of preserving cultural and religious heritage.

In my perspective, the furtive move by Ubisoft to incorporate this change underscores how delicate and explosive the circumstances have become. Instead of taking a proactive stance by addressing the issue during the game’s development, Ubisoft chose to delay their response until the last minute, eventually backing down on one of the gameplay aspects that sparked the most controversy.

More Damage Control From Ubisoft

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The debate over destroying the shrine is simply another instance in a series of PR mishaps concerning “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. From flawed historical representations in concept art to the redesigned collector’s figure due to allegations of insensitivity, Ubisoft has repeatedly struggled with managing the game’s cultural context effectively.

A significant amount of criticism has centered on the portrayal of Yasuke as a leading character. Critics, which include historians and Japanese fans, have often raised doubts about the historical accuracy of depicting Yasuke as a samurai. Many see his inclusion as a move influenced by Ubisoft’s contemporary Western values rather than a genuine representation of historical facts.

Even Elon Musk weighed in on the controversy, amplifying the criticism on a global scale.

In July, Ubisoft expressed regret for aspects of the marketing campaign for Shadows that had sparked worry among Japanese fans. However, the apology failed to ease tensions, as criticism over inaccuracies, cultural faux pas, and perceived disrespect towards Japanese history persisted and escalated further.

Financial Pressure and Desperation

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Ubisoft’s choice to keep contentious aspects in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, later rectified with patches on the release day, highlights the significant financial and public image strain the company is experiencing. Given our previous discussions, it’s no secret that Ubisoft has faced a series of challenges, including falling stock prices, growing debt, and disgruntled shareholders who are doubting Ubisoft’s management and future prospects.

Originally, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was expected to serve as a lifeline for Ubisoft, providing a financial boost and restoring their reputation through a high-profile launch. However, rather than focusing on the game’s promotion, Ubisoft has found themselves dealing with self-created predicaments. These include postponed release dates, government interventions, and last-minute adjustments to the gameplay mechanics.

What’s Next?

It’s uncertain how the audience will respond to this recent alteration. Some might view the omission of shrine destruction as a sensible adjustment. Meanwhile, others may perceive it as another instance where Ubisoft seems to have overlooked potential issues, making last-minute changes in an attempt to prevent additional criticism.

Regardless of the release of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’, it seems Ubisoft still faces ongoing issues. The upcoming period will show if their attempts to mend their errors, both in terms of fixing bugs and restoring their reputation, will halt their decline.

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2025-03-20 17:55