Assassin’s Creed Shadows Reddit Bans Debates About Yasuke’s Samurai Status

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Assassin's Creed Shadows Reddit Bans Debates About Yasuke's Samurai Status

Highlights

  • The r/AssassinsCreed subreddit banned debates about Yasuke’s samurai status.
  • “Feel free to take your displeasures elsewhere, away from this franchise and its communities,” the mods said.
  • While some vocal social media users previously claimed Yasuke’s inclusion hurts Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ “historical accuracy” and Japanese representation, others labeled those concerns as racist dog whistles.

As a long-time fan of the Assassin’s Creed series, I have to say that I’m both intrigued and disappointed by the recent turn of events surrounding Yasuke’s inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The fact that some individuals are so vehemently opposed to a fictional character based on a real historical figure, who happens to be of African descent and a samurai, is baffling to me.

The r/AssassinsCreed subreddit has prohibited discussions about Yasuke’s samurai standing in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” due to an excessive amount of contentious debates, as described by the moderators of the most popular AC community on Reddit.

Critics among vocal social media users have expressed concern over the authenticity of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, specifically the representation of African samurai Yasuke as one of its two main characters. Despite being the first historically-based protagonist in the Assassin’s Creed series, his inclusion has been criticized for allegedly compromising historical accuracy and diminishing opportunities for Japanese representation in a feudal Japan narrative. These viewpoints have gained significant traction since May 2024, with Elon Musk among those voicing similar concerns, which Ubisoft described as “stoking animosity.”

r/AssassinsCreed Subreddit Is Sick of ‘Historical Accuracy’ Arguments

The r/AssassinsCreed subreddit has put a stop to all conversations regarding Yasuke’s authenticity as a samurani and the historical accuracy of the upcoming game, effective July 28. The moderators expressed their frustration, stating that these debates have become repetitive and exhausting. They attributed the intensification of these discussions to Ubisoft’s acknowledgment that the historical Yasuke may not have been a warrior, despite holding the samurai title in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows.”

The moderators reinforced Ubisoft’s stance that the Assassin’s Creed series is purely fictional, implying any criticism based on historical accuracy towards Yasuke was pointless. They suggested these discussions were simply disguised as bad faith arguments. After going live early in the morning ET on July 28, the post banning historical accuracy debates was locked within two hours due to concerns over vote brigading.

Feel free to take your displeasures elsewhere, away from this franchise and its communities.

Previously, certain fans have criticized discussions about Yasuke’s role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows as coded racial bias. This ban signifies the widespread belief in this idea, marking the largest effort so far by the 718,000-member subreddit to curb such “veiled criticism.” The announcement finishes by inviting those with dissatisfaction to express it elsewhere, away from the franchise and its communities.

As a gamer excitedly waiting for the new Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, I haven’t noticed any significant negative impact on the game’s buzz leading up to its release. Instead, Ubisoft seems thrilled with the pre-orders pouring in. In fact, some of the priciest editions, costing a hefty $280, have already been snapped up since last May. The game is set to drop on November 15, and I can hardly contain my anticipation!

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2024-07-30 21:06