Ubisoft is in the midst of facing serious backlash following the reveal of their latest title, Assassin's Creed Shadows. The reveal, which introduced Yasuke, a (supposedly) historical figure who was an African slave in Japan, as one of the main protagonists, has sparked controversy among gamers and critics alike. The fallout, like Ubisoft's shares in sharp decline, has been swift.
The Controversy
Assassin's Creed Shadows was anticipated to be another successful addition to the franchise, promising a rich narrative set in feudal Japan. However, the choice to feature Yasuke, an African slave who historically lived in Japan, as a prominent character has ignited a fierce debate.
Critics argue that this decision represents a form of "black-washing" of Japanese history, with some feeling that it disrespects the cultural and historical context of the setting. Of all the stories they could have created, this was what they decided to go with? Why? What was the motivation?
Market Reaction
The market's response to the controversy has been unforgiving. Ubisoft's shares plummeted over 10% within a day of the trailer's release. This sharp decline highlights the financial impact of the backlash and underscores the sensitivity of historical and cultural representation in media... and lends more credence to the whole Get Woke, Go Broke mantra.
Media Defense and Backlash
Despite the uproar, several media outlets, including Kotaku (#EndKotaku), IGN, and TheGamer, have defended Ubisoft's decision (shocker, I know). These publications have published multiple articles attempting to justify the inclusion of Yasuke as a significant character in the game. They argue that his story is an important part of history that deserves recognition and that his inclusion adds diversity to the game's narrative.
However, this defense has not been well-received by all. Many critics label these media outlets as biased, accusing them of spreading disinformation and failing to respect the historical context of the setting. The discourse has become increasingly polarized, with accusations of racism being directed at both supporters and detractors of the game's direction.
Community and Cultural Impact
The backlash from Japanese gamers has been particularly intense. Many feel that the portrayal of Yasuke as a samurai is an inaccurate representation of their history. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about cultural appropriation and the responsibilities of game developers in representing historical events and figures.
Ubisoft's decision to feature Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows has undeniably stirred a significant amount of controversy. The immediate financial impact, as evidenced by the sharp decline in share prices, indicates that the backlash is more than just a vocal minority. It raises important questions about cultural sensitivity and historical representation in video games.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how (and even if) Ubisoft will respond to the criticism and whether they will make any changes to the game. Don't hold your breath, as a game this far along, has only one thing to do out of the gate: fall flat on it's face.
One thing is clear: the controversy surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows has set a precedent for how game developers approach historical narratives and the importance of balancing creative freedom with cultural and historical accuracy.
Hopefully, the tide is turning.
Shoutout to Fandom Pulse for the heads up on this story! ~Smash
Not sure I've ever tightened my purse strings so hard, LOL.
Dear Ubisoft, I'm black, and I don't accept changing history to fit an agenda. If they actually cared about a Black protagonist, they would have given AC: Freedom Cry's Adéwalé a full game! This is hypocrisy and a corporation's pathetic attempt to have their cake and eat it too; for the sake of grabbing everyone's money, than shutting down access to it six years later. Boycott Ubisoft.