How Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows Sparked a Cultural Debate
Ubisoft, one of the giants in the video game industry, recently found itself in the midst of controversy over its latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The issue centers around the unauthorized use of a Japanese historical re-enactment group's flag in the game's concept art. This has sparked significant backlash from both Japanese gamers and the broader gaming community, bringing attention to cultural sensitivity and intellectual property rights in the gaming world.
Preview of Assassin's Creed Shadows
This game is the latest addition to Ubisoft's storied franchise. Debuting in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series features a blend of historical settings, intricate plots, and engaging gameplay, and has explored various time periods and locations. The franchise's popularity extends beyond games, including a feature film released in 2016.
Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan during the Sengoku period, a time marked by intense social upheaval, political intrigue, constant military conflict, and relentless warfare among competing clans. The game offers an immersive experience, bringing to life the era's historical richness and dynamic environment.
Players can assume the roles of two protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi assassin known for her agility and stealth and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a real person who served under daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Naoe's expertise in acrobatics and shadow manipulation contrasts with Yasuke's prowess in combat and strategy, providing distinct gameplay experiences.
The narrative revolves around the ongoing conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order, each faction striving to shape history in its favor. Naoe and Yasuke navigate this tumultuous landscape, uncovering conspiracies and engaging in high-stakes battles as they attempt to influence the course of Japan's future.
Gameplay in Assassin's Creed Shadows is enhanced by the upgraded Anvil engine, featuring dynamic lighting, environmental interactions, and breakable props that add realism and strategic depth. The inclusion of a grappling hook introduces new traversal mechanics, allowing players to navigate the environment in innovative ways. The open-world design is influenced by seasonal changes, affecting gameplay and the setting's visual aesthetic. Non-linear missions offer players the freedom to approach objectives from multiple angles, ensuring a varied and personalized experience.
The Flag: Sekigahara Teppo-tai and Its Connection to Shadows
The controversial flag in the game replicates the one belonging to the Sekigahara Teppo-tai, a historical re-enactment group dedicated to preserving and showcasing Japan's rich samurai heritage. The flag features traditional Japanese symbols and motifs and holds considerable historical significance. It's used by the group during re-enactments of the Battle of Sekigahara, a pivotal conflict in Japanese history that occurred in 1600.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this flag was prominently displayed in the concept art without the group's permission. The use of the Sekigahara Teppo-tai flag was intended to add an element of authenticity to the game's historical setting. However, the lack of authorization led to accusations of cultural insensitivity and disrespect.
Public Outrage and Ubisoft's Apology
The reaction from Japanese gamers and the global gaming community was swift and intense. Many felt that Ubisoft's actions demonstrated a disregard for Japanese culture and history. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for the game's cancellation. Critics argued that the unauthorized use of the flag was not just a minor oversight but a significant cultural transgression that warranted serious repercussions.
In response to the mounting criticism, Ubisoft Japan issued an apology via X. The statement acknowledged the unauthorized use of the Sekigahara Teppo-tai flag. Ubisoft also announced that the flag would be removed from all promotional material. However, the apology post also states that the flag will still appear in the collector's edition art book. In response, the Sekigahara Teppo-tai asked Ubisoft to exclude the flag from the art book as well.
One Piece of Trouble: The Case of Yasuke's Sword
The controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows did not end with the flag incident. Ubisoft also faced accusations of copying the design of a famous sword from the popular manga and anime series One Piece. The sword in question, wielded by the character Roronoa Zoro, is known as the Sandai Kitetsu, one of the cursed swords in the series. Fans pointed out striking similarities between Zoro's Sandai Kitetsu and the sword used by Yasuke, one of Assassins' Creed Shadows' main protagonists.
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is a cultural phenomenon with a massive global following. Roronoa Zoro, one of the main characters, is a swordsman renowned for his unique fighting style and powerful swords. The alleged similarities between Zoro's Sandai Kitetsu and Yasuke's sword in Assassin’s Creed Shadows raised questions about originality and respect for intellectual property within the game.
Launch Countdown: The Road to Release
Despite the controversy surrounding its development, anticipation for Assassin's Creed Shadows remains high. The game is scheduled for release on November 15, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PCs, Amazon Luna, and Macs with Apple Silicon processors.
For PC gamers looking to experience the game's enhanced graphics and performance, gaming laptops like the Predator Helios 18 or desktops like the Nitro 70 are expected to be capable of running Assassin's Creed Shadows at high settings. These powerful machines, with their advanced GPUs and processors, should provide an optimal mobile gaming experience for players eager to explore feudal Japan virtually.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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