Ubisoft recently faced some backlash over their upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, due to the inclusion of Yasuke, the Black samurai co-lead based on a real historical figure. Some critics argued that Yasuke was not a true samurai in history, while others displayed racist sentiments against having a Black character in a game set in feudal Japan.
Marc-Alexis Côté, the producer of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, addressed this backlash in an interview with Game File. He mentioned how Elon Musk criticized the game as a “woke mind virus diversity product,” leading to a heated discussion on social media. Despite the negative comments, Côté emphasized that Yasuke’s character is rooted in the historical fiction of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, which often features iconic figures in its storytelling.
The team behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows delved into the mysterious history of Yasuke and found a way to incorporate his character into the game’s narrative set in feudal Japan. Côté highlighted that players will experience Yasuke’s role within the first 12 minutes of gameplay, showcasing the unique approach taken by the developers to introduce this character.
Côté dismissed Elon Musk’s criticisms, stating that the game speaks for itself and encourages players to keep an open mind while exploring the storyline. He expressed confidence in the game, referring to it as the best installment in the Assassin’s Creed series. Players can discover the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows when it launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on November 15th.
In the vast realm of gaming journalism and coverage, it is essential to consider the various perspectives and opinions that arise around highly anticipated titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The controversy surrounding Yasuke’s character reflects the ongoing discussions about representation, historical accuracy, and creative freedom in video game development.
As players eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the debate sparked by its inclusion of Yasuke serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in crafting a compelling narrative within a historical context. The blend of real-world figures and fictional storytelling in the Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to intrigue audiences and provoke thoughtful discussions within the gaming community.
