DEI Gone Too Far? Ubisoft's Latest Assassin's Creed Sparks Controversy... I couldn't make this up if I tried.
Here we go with Ubisoft pushing that "DIVERSITY" shit again... Remember - You are in the wrong if you dare to question anything.
Just consume...
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become increasingly prominent in the chatter around the entire video game industry these days. While these efforts were once thought of as essential for fostering a more inclusive environment, people are coming to realize that there are instances where their implementation can feel forced or incongruent with the source material.
A recent example of this is Ubisoft's latest installment in the Assassin's Creed series: "Assassin's Creed: Shadows", which features a black samurai character in Sengoku-era Japan. This decision has sparked some obvious debate among fans and former industry insiders, highlighting the challenges of balancing DEI with... well.. historical authenticity.
The Controversial Character
Ubisoft's decision to include a black samurai as a central character in a game set in feudal Japan has raised eyebrows. It feels more like a forced attempt at inclusion rather than a thoughtful integration of diverse characters.
The backlash has been amplified by comments from @InfinitaleComic, a former Ubisoft contractor who worked on the narrative elements for an Assassin's Creed game set in the same era...
A Former Insider's Perspective
@InfinitaleComic shared a detailed account of the original storyline he contributed to during his tenure at Ubisoft:
"The plot focused on the young monk, Yamauchi Taka, as the playable ancestor. Taka becomes part of the brotherhood after the assassination of Oda Nobunaga and is trained as an assassin by Hattori Hanzo. The story revolved around the Sword of Eden and its impact on the power struggles of the time."
This intricate narrative, rich with historical and cultural references, appears to have been set aside in favor of a storyline that introduces a black samurai and a canon-destroying kunoichi (female ninja) boss. According to @InfinitaleComic, this shift represents a departure from the carefully crafted historical narrative that was initially planned...
Wiki Changing
But don't worry, with the power of Wikipedia, they can just simply... change history:
Even more controversy is happening over at Wikipedia right now over the historical representation of Samurai, leading to noticeable changes on the site. It is now diverging significantly from the traditional understanding of Samurai as disciplined warriors adhering to the Bushido code.
This shift has sparked debates among historians and fans alike, with some claiming that the alterations to the Wikipedia entry serve to fit Ubisoft's narrative rather than reflect historical accuracy. Such changes highlight the influence of modern media on shaping and sometimes distorting historical perceptions.
DEI vs. Historical Authenticity
To be fair, the inclusion of a black samurai in a game set in feudal Japan is not inherently problematic. There are historical precedents, such as Yasuke, an African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. However, the way this character is integrated into the game can make a significant difference. Ubisoft's approach feels like an afterthought, undermining the game's historical setting and narrative coherence.
The Original Storyline
The original storyline, as told by @InfinitaleComic, (states he worked on some narrative elements for the Sengoku Era of Japan for Assassin’s Creed back in 2013-2014) offered a compelling and historically grounded narrative.
The TLDR of above: He worked on the narrative for a Sengoku Era Assassin’s Creed game back in 2013-2014, focusing on a monk named Yamauchi Taka and the legendary Sword of Eden. The story involved historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Hattori Hanzo, with Taka becoming an assassin to retrieve the sword and navigate the political turmoil of the time. However, it appears Ubisoft discarded this intricate storyline in favor of including a black samurai and a canon-destroying kunoichi boss. I’m relieved to be out of the industry, as my contributions, like those to many MMO shooters now shut down, seem to have vanished.
This narrative provided a rich background of historical and fictional elements, seamlessly blending the lore of Assassin's Creed with the real-world history of Japan. The decision to abandon this storyline in favor of one that seemingly prioritizes DEI over historical accuracy has left many fans and former developers... disappointed to say the least.
A Missed Opportunity
By not fully integrating DEI initiatives into the narrative in a way that respects the historical context, Ubisoft may have missed an opportunity to create a truly inclusive and immersive experience. Instead of sidelining a well-developed story, the developers could have introduced diverse characters in a manner that felt organic and respectful to the period. But on the other hand, ESG money is hard to say no to!
Striking the Right Balance
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial in today's gaming industry. However, these principles must be balanced with a respect for historical authenticity and narrative integrity. Ubisoft's latest Assassin's Creed game "shadows" has sparked a heated debate, illustrating the challenges and potential pitfalls of integrating DEI into historical settings.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for developers to find ways to include diverse characters and perspectives without compromising the coherence and authenticity of their stories. Only then can we achieve a truly inclusive gaming landscape that honors both diversity and the rich histories that inspire our favorite games.
~Smash
Assassin's Creed is trash. Has been for years.
Just go play Ghosts of Tsushima.