Japanese Parliament Reacts To Ubisoft's 'Assassin’s Creed: Shadows'

Lawmaker Takes Aim at Ubisoft's 'Assassin's Creed: Shadows'

Well, here we are, another day, another controversy in the gaming world. This time, it’s Ubisoft’s turn to face the heat. A Japanese lawmaker, Hiroyuki Kada, has publicly criticized Ubisoft’s latest 'Assassin’s Creed' game, titled 'Shadows,' over its portrayal of a samurai character wreaking havoc inside a Shinto shrine. Now, this isn’t just any game; it’s set in 16th-century feudal Japan, a period steeped in rich history and culture. The game is set to launch this Thursday, but the backlash has already begun.

Here’s the kicker: a gameplay video that’s been making the rounds on YouTube shows a character firing arrows at priests and destroying a traditional drum and an altar. If you ask me, that’s a pretty intense scene, especially in the context of a sacred space like a Shinto shrine. Kada, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, brought his concerns to parliament, saying, "It’s important to treat culture with respect. I’m concerned that attacks and acts of destruction in the game may lead to imitation nuisance behavior in the real world." That’s a pretty bold statement, and it’s got people talking.

Permission, Please?

Adding fuel to the fire, Kada also criticized Ubisoft for featuring a shrine located in his Hyogo constituency without seeking permission from its caretakers. You’ve got to wonder—how does something like that slip through the cracks? It’s not just about the game mechanics or storyline; it’s about respecting the cultural and historical significance of these places. In a world where attention to detail can make or break a game, this oversight feels glaring.

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Yasuke: A Controversial Protagonist

But wait, there’s more. 'Shadows' has already stirred up heated debates due to its portrayal of Yasuke, a real-life Black samurai, as one of the game’s protagonists. Now, Yasuke’s story is fascinating, no doubt about it, but it’s also incredibly sensitive. A Japanese petition opposing this portrayal has garnered over 100,000 signatures, with critics arguing that the game lacks historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. It’s not just about getting the facts right; it’s about understanding the weight of these historical figures and their impact on modern-day Japan.

Many Japanese gamers have chimed in, expressing their frustration over the ability to destroy the interiors of sacred shrines in the game. It’s not just about gameplay mechanics; it’s about respecting the cultural significance of these spaces. Yuichi Goza, an assistant professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto, summed it up perfectly: "I understand France’s secularist principles, but it’s important to acknowledge that ill-considered insults about religion can spark strong reactions." That’s a powerful reminder that games, no matter how fictional, have real-world consequences.

A History of Controversy

This isn’t the first time 'Assassin’s Creed' has stirred up controversy. Remember when French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon took issue with the portrayal of Maximilien Robespierre in 'Assassin’s Creed Unity'? Set during the French Revolution, the game faced criticism for its historical interpretations. It seems like Ubisoft has a knack for pushing boundaries, and while that can be a good thing, it can also lead to some pretty intense blowback.

And if that wasn’t enough, 'Shadows' has had its own set of challenges even before its release. Leaks have surfaced online, with copies of the game appearing a month before its official launch. That’s a PR nightmare in itself, but when you add the cultural sensitivities and historical debates to the mix, it’s a recipe for a whole lot of conversation.

In the end, it’s all about balance—balancing creativity with respect, storytelling with accuracy. It’s a tough line to walk, but it’s one that matters, especially in a world where games have the power to shape perceptions and spark dialogue. Here’s hoping Ubisoft takes these concerns to heart and uses them as an opportunity to grow and learn.