Japanese gamers sign petition to cancel Assassin’s Creed Shadows, here’s why – Times of India

A digital battlefield has opened up for Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed title, “Shadows.” A petition launched on Change.org by Japanese gamers has garnered over 30,000 signatures, expressing discontent with the game’s portrayal of feudal Japan.

What is the controversyThe core of the controversy lies in the historical accuracy, or perceived lack thereof, in “Shadows.” The game features a dual-protagonist system, with one character being a fictional female shinobi named Naoe and the other being Yasuke, a real-life historical figure of African descent who served as a samurai in 16th century Japan.

The petition criticises the depiction of samurai as a higher class in the game, arguing that they were more akin to warriors in service to nobles. The inclusion of a fictional female shinobi clashes with some players’ perception of the role’s rarity in that historical period. The petition also calls for Ubisoft to demonstrate greater respect for Japanese history in their portrayal of the setting.

While the petition has gained traction, opinions within the Japanese gaming community remain divided. Some gamers support the petition, advocating for historical accuracy in video games. Others defend Ubisoft’s creative license, arguing that artistic liberties are acceptable for a fictional narrative.

Ubisoft has not yet issued a public response to the petition. With the game’s release slated for November 2024, it remains to be seen how Ubisoft will address the concerns raised by the petition.