New Controversy Erupts in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Over Yasuke’s Actions!

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Summary

  • Yasuke’s actions in Assassin’s Creed Shadows spark outrage, allegedly challenging the boundaries of respect for Japanese culture.
  • Fns defend the series, noting its historical accuracy does not target specific demographics for violence.
  • Despite criticism, Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Japan setting satisfies a long-held desire among fans of the series.

Following the unveiling of Yasuke destroying a shrine within the gameplay of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”, some have expressed anger, but fans of “Assassin’s Creed” argue that this isn’t unprecedented for the series. Over time, many games have grown more cautious when tackling sensitive themes; however, with certain franchises, players feel that controversial content is to be expected and it’s ultimately up to individual choice whether they engage with such content in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”.

In the game Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the representation of Yasuke has drawn some criticism. Some argue that it’s unusual for a Black individual to be depicted living in Japan during the Sengoku period, as this was not common. However, developers and historians have pointed out that Yasuke is an exception due to actual records showing that this specific person existed and held the position of a samurai retainer, with unique privileges such as the right to carry a sword.

Following the scene in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” where character Yasuke demolishes a shrine, the game has faced a fresh wave of criticism. Notably, Japanese YouTuber Shohei Kondo has expressed strong disapproval, arguing that depicting Yasuke destroying a sacred site contributes to the exploitation of Japanese culture without due respect. Kondo suggests that this scene in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” exemplifies the dismissal of hate towards Asian people. Some argue that while Kondo and others might have valid concerns regarding the portrayal of Asians and their cultural media, the characters in the Assassin’s Creed series may not be the most suitable targets for this specific criticism.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Spawns Another Controversy

The Assassin’s Creed series is noted for avoiding the deliberate portrayal of specific groups as primary targets of violence. Instead, enemies fought are usually representative of the dominant demographic or culture during the game’s historical setting. For example, players fight European crusaders in the first game, pirates and soldiers from various ethnicities in Black Flag, set in the Caribbean, and Japanese samurai and foot soldiers in Shadows. Even the series’ main character, Ezio, engages in a fistfight against the villain Pope Alexander VI in Assassin’s Creed 2.

Fans are often resistant to the criticism directed at “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” for its handling of historical accuracy. Some, like “Assassin’s Creed” source The Hidden One, find it surprising that “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is receiving such harsh criticism given the series’ history of creative liberties with truth. While fans have long anticipated an “Assassin’s Creed” game set in Japan, this installment hasn’t been without its challenges.

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2025-02-02 05:05