Ubisoft’s title Assassin’s Creed Shadows has become the center of criticism following claims about historical inaccuracies and cultural misrepresentations.
The game, set in feudal Japan, features Yasuke—an African samurai who served under daimyo Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century—as one of its protagonists.
The issue began when social media posts claimed the game disrespected Japanese culture through its portrayal of Yasuke and use of cultural symbols. Posts falsely stated that Japanese authorities had condemned the game for cultural insensitivity, causing the misinformation to spread rapidly among gaming communities.
Wake up, Ubisoft “defender,” and hear our voice! What kind of Assassin’s Creed game destroys an actual religious site? Japanese culture is consumed but receives no respect. Here is a perfect example. pic.twitter.com/UsfWMgy53n
— Shohei Kondo (@shoheikondo) January 31, 2025
Japan responds to Ubisoft
The Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, addressed concerns over Assassin’s Creed Shadows during a March 19, 2025 Diet meeting, responding to allegations of vandalism in the game involving religious sites.
Ishiba condemned acts of vandalism against shrines but clarified that his remarks were about real-life actions, not the game itself, suggesting no official ban is imminent.
However, the Japanese version of the game will have changes, including the removal of dismemberment and some voice line adjustments. Despite a CERO Z (18+) rating, the game will be available in Japan with these modifications.
Is Assassin’s Creed historically accurate?
Many fans and observers have pointed out that this situation follows a familiar pattern in gaming, where historical fiction is held to documentary standards despite clearly being entertainment.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has always blended historical settings with fictional narratives, including elements like ancient alien civilizations and magical artifacts.
“People are pretending to be experts on Japanese culture for online clout,” noted one commenter, highlighting how the criticism seems largely driven by those with limited understanding of both the historical context and the franchise’s approach to storytelling.
Yasuke, while a real historical figure, has limited documentation about his life, giving creative works considerable room for interpretation.
As an African man who reached the status of samurai in feudal Japan, his story is remarkable but filled with historical gaps that fiction naturally fills.
Ubisoft, like with previous titles in the series, consulted cultural experts for world-building elements while taking creative liberties with the narrative and characters. The company has consistently presented its games as historical fiction rather than historical education.
