Here’s a look at how Assassin's Creed Shadows has sparked a debate over its historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity, echoing past controversies in entertainment.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is creating waves with its choice to feature Yasuke, a black samurai (who was a real person), in the setting of feudal Japan. This decision has sparked intense debate: a massive petition in Japan with over 30,000 signatures demands significant changes to the game, criticizing its cultural representation and historical authenticity.
Mixed Reactions from East to West
Globally, reactions are mixed. Most players applaud Ubisoft for bringing Yasuke's lesser-known story to light, arguing that it adds depth and diversity to the narrative. Others, however, slam the company for what they see as cultural insensitivity and historical inaccuracies. This controversy isn't just confined to Japan; it has global implications, highlighting issues of ethnicity and representation in media.
Interestingly, despite the petition, some Japanese players have shown support for Yasuke's inclusion, appreciating the character's historical significance and unique story. This contrasts with the harsher international criticism, particularly regarding the game's fidelity to historical and cultural details.
So what exactly does the petition say? Well, since I can't speak Japanese, here's a Google translated version:
Recently, the lack of historical accuracy and cultural respect has been a serious issue regarding the upcoming game "Assassin's Creed Shadows" by game developer Ubisoft. The game is based on Japanese samurai and ignores the fact that samurai were a higher class of warrior and should have been "gokenin" or servants of nobles. In fact, the first European to receive the title of samurai, William Adams (Miura Anjin), served Tokugawa Ieyasu as a 250 koku hatamoto.
In this history, Ubisoft continues to misunderstand the nature and role of samurai. This is a serious insult to Japanese culture and history, and may also be linked to Asian racism. We call on Ubisoft to immediately cancel the release of "Assassin's Creed Shadows" and show sincere research and respect for Japanese history and culture. We need your signature. Sign this petition to let Ubisoft know the importance of cultural respect and historical accuracy.
Remember when there was a huge fuss about Cleopatra's portrayal a few years back? Stuff like this pops up pretty often. People have strong feelings about keeping historical stories accurate, especially when it's about their own culture. It's a tricky balance for game makers, trying to spin a cool story while staying true to the facts and respecting everyone's heritage.
Ubisoft's Balancing Act
Ubisoft has yet to respond formally to the backlash but continues to stress that the Assassin's Creed series blends historical fiction with fantasy. This narrative choice is seen by the developers as a way to explore rich historical tapestries while keeping the storytelling engaging and dynamic. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges game developers face in balancing creativity with cultural and historical accuracy.