The development team behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows has put out a statement addressing the criticism and feedback it has received about the game from its Japanese audience.
In a post on Twitter, the company said that it had received negative feedback these players about the representation of Japanese history, including the inclusion of Yasuke, the black samurai from Sengoku period, as a playable character in the game.
A petition calling for the game’s cancellation has attracted over 94,000 signatures.
“We share your passion for history and deeply respect your care for the historical and cultural integrity of your rich heritage,” Ubisoft wrote.
“We have put significant effort into ensuring an immersive and respectful representation of Feudal Japan. However, our intention has never been to present any of our Assassin’s Creed games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as factual representations of history, or historical characters. Instead, we aim to spark curiosity and encourage players to explore and learn more about the historical settings we get inspired by.
“Despite these sustained efforts, we acknowledge that some elements in our promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community. For this, we sincerely apologize.
“Based on the constructive criticism we have received, we will continue our efforts until we put this game into your hands – and beyond.”
Ubisoft also addressed specific criticism and the creative license that it has taken with Japanese history, as it has done with nearly every Assassin’s Creed game since its 2007 debut.
“While we strive for authenticity in everything that we do, Assassin’s Creed games are works of fiction inspired by real historical events and figures,” the company wrote.
“The representation of Yasuke in our game is an illustration of this. His unique and mysterious life made him an ideal candidate to tell an Assassin’s Creed story with the setting of Feudal Japan as a backdrop.
“While Yasuke is depicted as a samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we know that this is a matter of debate and discussion. We have woven this carefully into our narrative and with our other lead character, the Japanese shinobi Naoe, who is equally important in the game, our dual protagonists provide players with different gameplay styles.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is due to come out on November 15th.
Disclaimer: Alex Calvin is a freelance journalist and writer who worked with Ubisoft on The Making of Assassin’s Creed: 15th Anniversary