Arthur Herring
The upcoming release of Ubisoft’s game, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” has faced significant backlash after introducing a new black samurai character. Despite over 100,000 people signing a petition in Japan against the character, the game’s makers are defending their “creative liberties.”
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is the latest installment in the popular franchise, which explores various historical periods around the world. This edition allows players to take on the roles of two heroes: Naoe, a female assassin, and Yasuke, a black samurai. Yasuke’s character is based on a 16th-century historical figure who was abducted by Portuguese slave traders and brought to Japan.
Critics in Japan argue that the game lacks historical accuracy and cultural respect. They claim that Yasuke never received the samurai title and characterize the representation as an insult to Japanese culture and history. The petition calls on Ubisoft to halt the game’s release and show more respect for Japan’s traditions.
In response, Ubisoft addressed the concerns of their Japanese players, highlighting the game’s “creative liberties and historical inspirations.” They clarified that none of the Assassin’s Creed games aims to provide factual representations of history or historical characters. The company claims to have worked with consultants, historians, researchers, and internal teams to inform their creative choices.
Acknowledging the concerns raised within the Japanese community, Ubisoft apologized for any distress caused. They also noted that the depiction of Yasuke as a samurai in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is a subject of debate and discussion.
The “Assassin’s Creed” franchise has previously explored settings such as ancient Egypt, the Crusades, revolutionary France, and the Viking period. Despite the controversy surrounding the portrayal of Yasuke, Ubisoft remains committed to their vision of incorporating diverse characters and settings into their games.
As discussions continue about the representation of historical figures in video games, it is crucial for game developers and players alike to engage in meaningful conversations about cultural respect, accuracy, and representation within the medium.
Facts:
1. “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is the latest installment in the popular “Assassin’s Creed” franchise by Ubisoft, known for exploring various historical periods.
2. The game features two playable characters, Naoe, a female assassin, and Yasuke, a black samurai based on a 16th-century historical figure.
3. Yasuke’s backstory involves being abducted by Portuguese slave traders and brought to Japan.
4. The depiction of Yasuke as a samurai in the game has sparked controversy in Japan, with critics arguing that it lacks historical accuracy and cultural respect.
5. A petition with over 100,000 signatures in Japan calls for Ubisoft to halt the game’s release and show more respect for Japanese traditions.
6. Ubisoft has defended their creative choices, emphasizing that the game takes “creative liberties and historical inspirations” and does not aim for factual representations.
7. The company claims to have collaborated with consultants, historians, researchers, and internal teams to inform their creative decisions.
8. Ubisoft has apologized for any distress caused and acknowledged that the depiction of Yasuke as a samurai is a subject of debate.
9. Despite the controversy, Ubisoft remains committed to incorporating diverse characters and settings into their games.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. What is the controversy surrounding “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”?
The controversy revolves around the portrayal of Yasuke, a black samurai character in the game. Critics argue that the representation lacks historical accuracy and cultural respect.
2. Why is the depiction of Yasuke as a samurai controversial?
Critics claim that Yasuke never received the samurai title in real history, leading them to view the portrayal as an insult to Japanese culture and history.
3. How has Ubisoft responded to the criticism?
Ubisoft has defended their creative choices, citing “creative liberties and historical inspirations.” They have also apologized for any distress caused and acknowledged the ongoing debate about Yasuke’s depiction.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
1. Historical Accuracy: The portrayal of Yasuke as a samurai has raised concerns about fidelity to history and the authenticity of representation in video games.
2. Cultural Respect: Critics argue that the game’s depiction of Yasuke disregards Japanese traditions and history, potentially contributing to cultural insensitivity.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Increased representation: The inclusion of a black samurai character allows for greater diversity and inclusivity within the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise.
– Exploration of lesser-known history: The game brings attention to the history of Yasuke, a figure who is not widely known outside of Japan.
Disadvantages:
– Lack of historical accuracy: Critics argue that the portrayal of Yasuke as a samurai deviates from historical facts, which can diminish the educational value of the game.
– Potential cultural insensitivity: The controversy surrounding the game highlights the importance of cultural respect and accurate representation in video games.
Suggested Related Links:
Assassin’s Creed Official Website
Japan Times
