Assassin's Creed Shadows developer on adapting Japanese culture, social media pressures and Ubisoft's controversial apology
A deep dive into the development and challenges of Assassin's Creed Shadows, focusing on creative choices, cultural adaptation, and social media backlash.
The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Japan, was showcased at Gamescom 2024 through a presentation, highlighting its visual and environmental upgrades. The game features dynamic weather and shifting seasons, portraying Japan through dense forests, towering mountains, and intricate details like rain on bamboo guttering.
Online reaction to the game has been mixed, especially concerning Ubisoft's choice of Yasuke, an African samurai, as one of the two protagonists. Critics, including Elon Musk, have questioned this choice, labeling it as a push for diversity at the expense of historical accuracy. Ubisoft defended their creative decisions, emphasizing that they provide a foreign perspective through Yasuke's character.
Art director Thierry Dansereau explained the extensive research and collaboration with Japanese experts and studios to ensure cultural respect. He acknowledged the social media backlash and Ubisoft's vague apology for offending some Japanese fans. Despite the controversy, Dansereau expressed confidence in the game's reception and remained focused on delivering a high-quality experience.