Ubisoft has addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding the character Yasuke in their upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In a detailed statement shared on social media X/Twitter, Ubisoft acknowledged concerns raised by Japanese players and the wider online community, particularly regarding the depiction of Yasuke, an African samurai based on a real historical figure.
The controversy, amplified by comments from high-profile figures like Elon Musk, has centered on the game’s supposed injection of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Ubisoft, however, maintains that the Assassin’s Creed franchise has always drawn inspiration from history rather than striving for complete historical accuracy.
“Our intention has never been to present any of our Assassin’s Creed games, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as factual representations of history, or historical characters,” the statement reads. “Instead, we aim to spark curiosity and encourage players to explore and learn more about the historical setting we get inspired by.”
The company apologized for any concerns caused by promotional materials and clarified that while they consulted with various individuals during development, the creative decisions ultimately rest with the development teams.
Regarding Yasuke, Ubisoft explained that his “unique and mysterious life” made him an ideal fit for the Assassin’s Creed narrative set in Feudal Japan. While acknowledging the debate surrounding Yasuke’s depiction as a samurai, the company emphasized that this is woven into the game’s narrative and that the other lead character, Naoe, a Japanese shinobi, is equally important and offers a different gameplay style.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on November 15, 2024, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.