Ubisoft finally took Assassin’s Creed to feudal Japan—but the backlash has been immediate.
Assassin's Creed Shadows has long been at the centre of controversy, and its launch seems to have brought every criticism back to the forefront. From cultural representation to political debates, the game is under intense scrutiny—and Ubisoft might be betting too much on it.
Criticism from Japanese politicians intensifies
The game’s depiction of a samurai destroying a Shinto shrine has drawn sharp criticism in Japan. A Japanese lawmaker publicly condemned the scene in parliament, warning it could encourage real-world vandalism of religious sites. The shrine shown in the game is reportedly modeled after a real one, and developers failed to seek permission—something local leaders found especially disrespectful.
Japanese audiences protest casting choices
The casting of Yasuke, a black samurai based on a real historical figure, has also sparked outrage—this time from Japanese players. Critics argue it’s historically inaccurate and fuels what they describe as cultural distortion. Over 100,000 people signed a petition calling out Ubisoft’s depiction as a form of Asian hate, pointing to how a non-Japanese character was elevated in a story deeply rooted in Japanese heritage.
Western backlash and political undertones
In the U.S., the game’s diverse protagonist lineup—including a black samurai and a female assassin—has sparked political debates. Following Donald Trump’s crackdown on DEI initiatives, critics have taken to social media, including Elon Musk, to accuse Ubisoft of pandering to "woke" culture. Meanwhile, others defend the game’s diversity as overdue representation.
Ubisoft’s financial future rides on Shadows
After high-profile flops like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Ubisoft is in desperate need of a win. The company's stock has dropped 40%, and with €1.9 billion in expected revenue tied to this release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is more than a game for Ubisoft at this point. It could be their redemption arc. Now whether the controversy helps or hurts in the long run remains to be seen.
