Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|Upcoming 2025 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = Thibaut120094 is a huge F@gg0t | image = Assassin's Creed Shadows cover.png | developer = [[Ubisoft Quebec]]{{efn|Additional work by [[Ubisoft Belgrade]], [[Ubisoft Bordeaux]], [[Ubisoft Bucharest]], [[Ubisoft Chengdu]], [[Ubisoft Kyiv]], [[Ubisoft Montpellier]], [[Ubisoft Montreal]], [[Ubisoft Odesa]], [[Ubisoft Osaka]], [[Ubisoft Pune]], [[Ubisoft Shanghai]], [[Ubisoft Singapore]], [[Ubisoft Sofia]], and Ubisoft Tokyo<ref>{{cite web |last=Henderson |first=Tom |url=https://insider-gaming.com/assassins-creed-shadows-studios/ |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows has 15 Developer Support Studios |publisher=Insider Gaming |date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516003039/https://insider-gaming.com/assassins-creed-shadows-studios/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | publisher = [[Ubisoft]] | director = Jonathan Dumont<br />Charles Benoit | producer = Karl Onnée | artist = Thierry Dansereau | composer = {{ubl|[[The Flight (band)|The Flight]]<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Ubisoft Music |user=UbisoftMusic |date=June 12, 2024 |title=(3/6) First is the music duo @theflightmusic who previously worked on Assassin's Creed Odyssey - closely with Ubisoft teams, they worked to incorporate traditional Japanese instruments and musicians into a modern style, creating a unique sound for the Shadows universe. |number=1800922374390554740 |access-date=June 15, 2024}}</ref>|[[TEKE::TEKE]]<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Ubisoft Music |user=UbisoftMusic |date=June 12, 2024 |title=(4/6) Next, the japanese psych-rock band @teketekeband, who created several original songs for Assassin's Creed Shadows - they use a studied and experimental approach to craft their emotive soundscapes, bringing an unexpected twist to the players' musical journey. |number=1800922377490141569 |access-date=June 15, 2024}}</ref>}} | series = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' | engine = [[Ubisoft Anvil]] | platform = {{Unbulleted list|[[macOS]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]|[[iPadOS]]}} | released = {{vgrelease|WW|February 14, 2025}} | genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]] | modes = [[Single-player]] | writer = Ryan Galletta }} '''''Assassin's Creed Shadows''''' is an upcoming [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[Ubisoft Quebec]] and published by [[Ubisoft]]. The game is the fourteenth major installment in the ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' series and the successor to 2023's ''[[Assassin's Creed Mirage]]'', as well as the first title to be included in the ''[[Assassin's Creed: Infinity]]'' platform. Set in 16th-century [[History of Japan|Japan]] towards the end of the [[Sengoku period]], the game will focus on the millennia-old struggle of the [[Order of Assassins|Assassin Brotherhood]], who fight for peace and liberty, and the [[Knights Templar|Templar Order]], who desire peace through control, from the perspective of two protagonists: Naoe, a female [[Ninja|shinobi]], and [[Yasuke]],{{efn|The game proclaims that Yasuke was originally from [[Mozambique]], brought to Japan with the [[Jesuit missionaries]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://staticctf.ubisoft.com//J3yJr34U2pZ2Ieem48Dwy9uqj5PNUQTn/3bGKVyFkHiabZ5a2SjO7pi/83bf1e6260dcaac48d453399bd573306/ACRED_CharacterReference_Full_FINAL.pdf |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows: Character Reference Guide |publisher=Ubisoft |pages=14–15 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601091703/https://staticctf.ubisoft.com/J3yJr34U2pZ2Ieem48Dwy9uqj5PNUQTn/3bGKVyFkHiabZ5a2SjO7pi/83bf1e6260dcaac48d453399bd573306/ACRED_CharacterReference_Full_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}} an African [[samurai]] inspired by the [[Yasuke|historical figure of the same name]].{{efn|While the game's marketing referred to Yasuke as the first playable historical character in the series, [[Jack the Ripper]], [[Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia|Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia]], and [[Leonidas I]] were playable in ''[[Assassin's Creed Syndicate]]'' (2015), ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles|Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia]]'' (2016), and ''[[Assassin's Creed Odyssey]]'' (2018), respectively.}} The two characters control differently and provide a unique gameplay style, allowing quests to be approached in multiple ways. ''Shadows'' is scheduled to release for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[macOS]], and [[iPadOS]] on February 14, 2025. == Gameplay == {{main|Assassin's Creed#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay of the ''Assassin's Creed'' series}} ''Assassin's Creed Shadows'' is an action-adventure [[stealth game]] similar to its predecessors. It is developed on an upgraded version of [[Ubisoft Anvil|Anvil]], utilizing dynamic lighting and environmental interactions with new enhancements such as breakable [[props]], in addition to allowing players to manipulate shadows and use a [[grappling hook]] for [[parkour]].<ref name="ign3"/> The game's [[open world]], whose size is comparable to that from ''[[Assassin's Creed Origins]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows-is-around-the-same-size-as-assassins-creed-origins|title=Japan-Set Assassin's Creed Shadows Is Around the Same Size as Assassin's Creed Origins|first=Ryan|last=Dinsdale|work=[[IGN]]|date=May 16, 2024|accessdate=May 18, 2024|archive-date=May 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518030752/https://www.ign.com/articles/japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows-is-around-the-same-size-as-assassins-creed-origins|url-status=live}}</ref> progresses through seasons, each affecting gameplay, including frozen water and [[icicles]] in winter, long grass and blooming plants in spring. Missions are [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]], encouraging players to track and eliminate targets freely; in a change from previous games, vantage points will exist in the world but only to help the player scan the environment for points of interest, rather than populating the player's map with objectives markers.<ref name="ign1">{{cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matthew |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows: Inside Ubisoft's Ambitious Open World Japan |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-inside-ubisofts-ambitious-open-world-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516010542/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-inside-ubisofts-ambitious-open-world-japan |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Alternatively, one can recruit and train a [[spy]] network to gather intelligence, alongside [[bribing]] officials to ascertain the whereabouts of targets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Selway |first=Jake |url=https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-open-world-changes-spy-system-feature-explained/ |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows' Changing Open-World and Spy System Explained |publisher=Game Rant |date=6 May 2024 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517020036/https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-open-world-changes-spy-system-feature-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Park |first=Morgan |date=10 June 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows has the best-looking AC combat in ages, and I love that you can crawl through grass |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/assassins-creed-shadows-previwe-summer-game-fest-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611043831/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/assassins-creed-shadows-previwe-summer-game-fest-2024/ |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |publisher=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref> This installment introduces new gameplay features, including the ability to [[Crawling (human)|crawl]] along the ground in a prone position, providing the player characters with a lower profile and the capability to access small openings. The character can also venture into shallow water, where they then deploy a [[bamboo]] stick to breathe through.<ref name="ign3"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Dwiar |first=Rob |date=10 June 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows preview: a bold, beautiful, and brutal journey across Feudal Japan |url=https://www.techradar.com/gaming/assassins-creed-shadows-preview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611023906/https://www.techradar.com/gaming/assassins-creed-shadows-preview |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |publisher=[[TechRadar]]}}</ref> Eagle vision also makes a comeback, but unlike ''[[Assassin's Creed Mirage]]'', it would not reveal the NPCs through the walls;<ref name="famitsu">{{Cite web |title=『アサシン クリード シャドウズ』混乱の安土桃山時代を生きる侍・弥助と忍・奈緒江のダブル主人公、リアルに再現された日本に迫る国内独占インタビューを公開！ {{!}} ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com |trans-title="Assassin's Creed Shadows" features an exclusive interview with the dual protagonists of the samurai Yasuke and the ninja Naoe, who live in the chaotic Azuchi-Momoyama period, approaching a realistically recreated Japan! |url=https://www.famitsu.com/article/202405/5194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520001315/https://www.famitsu.com/article/202405/5194 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=[[ファミ通]] |language=ja}}</ref> as enemies are denoted in red, while allies are highlighted in orange. Moreover, a diverse selection of historically accurate weapons is showcased, ranging from [[katanas]] and the [[kanabō]] war club to [[yari]] spears, [[shuriken]], [[kunai]], and the [[kusarigama]]. Each weapon comes with its own [[skill tree]], enabling players to improve their proficiency with specific weapons over time.<ref name="ign3">{{cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matthew |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows: 50 Details You Need To Know |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-50-details-you-need-to-know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516010612/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-40-details-you-need-to-know |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Players have the ability to switch between characters as they progress through different missions. Yasuke's combat features destructible environments and realistic weapon impacts, providing a cinematic fighting experience, in addition to using [[arquebus]]es, giving him a powerful long-range capability. Meanwhile, Naoe brandishes the iconic hidden blade with its pivot feature to serve as a [[tantō]], as well as utilizing a kusarigama to fend off attackers, swinging its chain in wide arcs to create distance. Moreover, she employs stealth tactics with an agile and lethal playstyle, hiding in the [[rafter]]s and ambushing enemies through [[Shoji]] paper doors.<ref name="ign3"/> == Synopsis == === Setting === ''Assassin's Creed Shadows'' is set in [[feudal Japan]], specifically starting in 1579 during the [[Azuchi-Momoyama period]]. This era marks the final stage of the [[Sengoku period]], a time of intense civil war in Japan. The game features the historical figure [[Oda Nobunaga]] at the height of his power following his victory over the [[Takeda clan]] using arquebus firearms. Key historical events include Nobunaga's assault on the [[Iga province]] in 1581, a [[Tenshō Iga War|significant battle]] involving the [[Iga ikki]], known for their [[ninjutsu]] arts.<ref name="ign2">{{cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matthew |date=May 15, 2024 |title=When and Where Is Assassin's Creed Shadows Set? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/when-and-where-is-assassins-creed-shadows-set |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516024000/https://www.ign.com/articles/when-and-where-is-assassins-creed-shadows-set |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> The game will explore central Japan, including regions like [[Kyoto]], [[Kobe]], [[Osaka]], and the Iga province, with historically accurate castles such as [[Takeda Castle|Takeda]] and [[Fukuchiyama Castle|Fukuchiyama]], along with detailed historical landmarks and strongholds designed as intricate [[dungeons]].<ref name="ign1"/> This setting promises a vibrant world of urbanization, bustling ports, samurai districts, and ornate architecture, all significant for parkour and exploration in the game. The influence of [[Portuguese maritime exploration|Portuguese traders]] and [[Jesuit missionaries]], who introduced [[Christianity]] and new technologies like cannons and long guns, also plays a role in shaping the game's environment and narrative.<ref name="ign2"/> == Development and release == ''Shadows'' was announced at Ubisoft Forward in September 2022 under the working title ''Assassin's Creed: Codename Red'' along with its planned successor ''[[Assassin's Creed#Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe|Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe]]''.<ref name="Codename Red announcement">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Ed |date=September 10, 2022 |title=Assassin's Creed new game Codename: Red finally delivers fans' dreams |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/assassins-creed-codename-red/assassins-creed-new-game-japan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910202049/https://www.pcgamesn.com/assassins-creed-codename-red/assassins-creed-new-game-japan |archive-date=September 10, 2022 |accessdate=September 10, 2022 |work=[[PCGamesN]]}}</ref> There, Ubisoft announced that ''Assassin's Creed'' would be entering a third period related to shifts in design philosophy and approaches to future games, all connected by a working concept called ''[[Assassin's Creed#Assassin's Creed Infinity|Assassin's Creed Infinity]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Infinity and beyond: The future of Assassin's Creed |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/infinity-and-beyond-the-future-of-assassins-creed |access-date=December 5, 2022 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028124823/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/infinity-and-beyond-the-future-of-assassins-creed |url-status=live }}</ref> The first major gameplay details were announced on May 15, 2024, along with the final name and release date.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Ben |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Codename Red to officially go by Assassin's Creed Shadows |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/assassins-creed-codename-red-to-officially-go-by-assassins-creed-shadows-1390333/ |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=Gamereactor UK |language=en |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513185540/https://www.gamereactor.eu/assassins-creed-codename-red-to-officially-go-by-assassins-creed-shadows-1390333/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Red Title Confirmed to be Assassin's Creed Shadows Ahead of Wednesday Trailer Release |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-codename-red-gets-official-name-ahead-of-wednesday-trailer-drop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517072702/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-codename-red-gets-official-name-ahead-of-wednesday-trailer-drop |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=West |first1=Josh |last2=Gould-Wilson |first2=Jasmine |last3=Wald |first3=Heather |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Assassin's Creed Red: Everything we know so far about Assassin's Creed Shadows |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creed-codename-red-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321074102/https://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creed-codename-red-guide/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en}}</ref> It was also later revealed that [[Ubisoft Quebec]] who previously developed ''[[Assassin's Creed Odyssey]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed Syndicate]]'' would be developing the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed - Ubisoft Quebec takes lead on feudal Japan-set 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'|url=https://ottawa.citynews.ca/2024/05/15/ubisoft-quebec-takes-lead-on-feudal-japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows|website=Ottawa City News Everywhere|date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024|archive-date=May 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521183804/https://ottawa.citynews.ca/2024/05/15/ubisoft-quebec-takes-lead-on-feudal-japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows/|url-status=live}}</ref> Development began in 2020, following the release of ''[[Assassin's Creed Valhalla]]''.<ref name="famitsu"/> The game was initially scheduled to release for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox Series X/S]], [[iPadOS]], and [[macOS]] on November 15, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-trailer-release-date-dual-protagonists-and-more-revealed-by-ubisoft |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows Trailer, Release Date, Dual Protagonists, and More Revealed by Ubisoft |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=May 15, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=September 25, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515160502/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-trailer-release-date-dual-protagonists-and-more-revealed-by-ubisoft |archive-date=May 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 11, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed: Shadows is coming to your iPad and Mac |url=https://www.imore.com/ipad/assassins-creed-shadows-is-coming-to-your-ipad-and-mac |access-date=June 11, 2024 |publisher=iMore |archive-date=June 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610232637/https://www.imore.com/ipad/assassins-creed-shadows-is-coming-to-your-ipad-and-mac |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in September 2024, Ubisoft announced that, despite the game being "feature complete," they opted to delay the release to February 14, 2025, for further polishing, citing "learnings" from the ''[[Star Wars Outlaws]]'' launch in August. The company also cancelled the game's [[Season pass (video games)|season pass]] and refunded existing pre-orders, with future pre-orders set to include the first [[Expansion pack|expansion]] for free. In a shift from Ubisoft's previous release practices, the PC version will launch simultaneously on [[Steam (service)|Steam]], [[Epic Games Store]], and [[Ubisoft Connect]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/assassins-creed-shadows-is-delayed-into-2025/ |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows is delayed into 2025, will launch on Steam on day one |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=September 25, 2024 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=September 25, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925170344/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/assassins-creed-shadows-is-delayed-into-2025/ |archive-date=September 25, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-delayed-to-february-2025 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows Delayed to February 2025 |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=September 25, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=September 25, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925180629/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-delayed-to-february-2025 |archive-date=September 25, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Vikki |date=2024-09-25 |title=Ubisoft revises financial targets after "soft" sales of Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows delay |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-revises-financial-targets-after-soft-sales-of-star-wars-outlaws-and-assassins-creed-shadows-delay |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> == Reception == === Protagonists === Upon the release of the video game's [[trailer (promotion)|premiere trailer]] on May 15, 2024, the decision to feature [[Yasuke]] as a central character in the upcoming video game prompted reactionary backlash that has been likened to the [[Gamergate_(harassment_campaign)|Gamergate harassment campaign]] and the [[alt-right]].<ref name="Wired 2024">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Laurence |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Assassin’s Creed Shadows and How ‘DEI’ Became Gamergate 2.0’s Rallying Cry |url=https://www.wired.com/story/assassins-creed-shadows-dei-gamergate/|access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[Wired]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Time-Lee">{{cite magazine |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Fans Slam Decision to Include Black Samurai in Feudal Japan Story |url=https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519074134/https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/ |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Critics on social media reacted negatively to the inclusion of a Black samurai protagonist, accusing Ubisoft of "going [[woke]]", or suggesting suggesting that Yasuke was "not a 'real' samurai.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Conor |title=Upcoming 'Assassin's Creed' Game Attacked As 'Woke' Over Black Samurai Protagonist—But It's Based On A Real Black Warrior |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/24/upcoming-assassins-creed-game-attacked-as-woke-over-black-samurai-protagonist-but-its-based-on-a-real-black-warrior/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607052609/https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/24/upcoming-assassins-creed-game-attacked-as-woke-over-black-samurai-protagonist-but-its-based-on-a-real-black-warrior/ |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Time-Lee2">{{cite magazine |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Fans Slam Decision to Include Black Samurai in Feudal Japan Story |url=https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519074134/https://time.com/6978997/assassins-creed-shadow-yasuke-controversy/ |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Some conservative critics also attacked the potential option for [[LGBTQ]] relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Conor |title=Upcoming 'Assassin's Creed' Game Attacked As 'Woke' Over Black Samurai Protagonist—But It's Based On A Real Black Warrior |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/24/upcoming-assassins-creed-game-attacked-as-woke-over-black-samurai-protagonist-but-its-based-on-a-real-black-warrior/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607052609/https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/05/24/upcoming-assassins-creed-game-attacked-as-woke-over-black-samurai-protagonist-but-its-based-on-a-real-black-warrior/ |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en}}</ref> Other fans of the series suggested that criticism of the [[Black people|black]] protagonist was motivated by [[racism]].<ref name="Time-Lee" /> The online backlash led to harassment and threats directed at the game developers.<ref name="NYT 2024">{{Cite web |last=Small |first=Zachary |date=September 11, 2024 |title=The Fight Over a Black Samurai in Assassin's Creed Shadows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/arts/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-samurai-japan.html |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[New York Times]] |language=en}}</ref> Matt Kim of ''[[IGN]]'' praised the choice of Yasuke to differentiate itself from other samurai games featuring Asian protagonists.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Let's Not Pretend We're Mad the New Assassin's Creed Shadows Samurai Isn't Asian |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-asian-protagonist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518213346/https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-asian-protagonist |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Ubisoft said they wanted a samurai character whose story was "open-ended enough to allow for creativity," noting that "there are still plenty of questions and speculation surrounding" Yasuke.<ref name="Time-Lee" /> Game director Charles Benoit said that Yasuke was chosen because players could discover Japan at the same time as Yasuke, "through his eyes, the eyes of a foreigner".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Curtis |date=2024-05-15 |title=Ubisoft Quebec takes lead on feudal Japan-set 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainment/ubisoft-quebec-takes-lead-on-feudal-japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows/article_3e0f92b6-5bf9-5dc0-af6b-c98c432cff71.html |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=[[The Canadian Press]] |language=en |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516033026/https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainment/ubisoft-quebec-takes-lead-on-feudal-japan-set-assassins-creed-shadows/article_3e0f92b6-5bf9-5dc0-af6b-c98c432cff71.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A month later, the series' executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté criticized [[Elon Musk]] for "feeding hatred," following his earlier negative comments on the inclusion of [[DEI]] in the game, which Musk claimed was detrimental to art.<ref>{{cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=13 June 2024 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows dev explains why he ignored Elon Musk's 'DEI kills art' tweet |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-dev-explains-why-he-ignored-elon-musks-dei-kills-art-tweet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615003835/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-dev-explains-why-he-ignored-elon-musks-dei-kills-art-tweet/ |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |access-date=June 15, 2024 |publisher=[[Video Games Chronicle]]}}</ref> Côté asserted that players who try the game will understand why Yasuke was added. He stated, "What Elon says is not the game that we’re building. People will have to play the game for themselves. And if, within the first 11 minutes and 47 seconds, they are not convinced of what we’re doing, we can discuss it”. When asked why he mentioned that specific duration, Côté explained, "I was reviewing the game very recently, and I thought, 'the answer is there!' I hope people can keep an open mind and see the game for what it is. It’s an Assassin’s Creed game, and I believe it’s the best one we’ve ever built."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows dev explains why he ignored Elon Musk's 'DEI kills art' tweet |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-dev-explains-why-he-ignored-elon-musks-dei-kills-art-tweet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818114700/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-shadows-dev-explains-why-he-ignored-elon-musks-dei-kills-art-tweet/ |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> On July 23, 2024, Ubisoft acknowledged the controversy surrounding the historicity of Yasuke in a public statement, calling the game “a compelling, historical fiction set in Feudal Japan” instead of a factual representation of history.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=2024-07-23 |title=Assassin's Creed Shadows Team Issues Apology to Japanese Fans for Marketing That Has 'Caused Concern' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-team-issues-apology-to-japanese-fans-for-marketing-that-has-caused-concern |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> They also highlighted their collaboration with experts to ensure a respectful portrayal of Feudal Japan.<ref name="tokyoweekender">{{Cite web |last=Hernon |first=Matthew |date=2024-07-24 |title=Ubisoft Responds to Criticism on Yasuke |url=https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/ubisoft-responds-criticism-about-yasuke/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Tokyo Weekender |language=ja}}</ref> Scholar [[Thomas Lockley]] defended Yasuke's portrayal as a samurai, and noted that no reputable Japanese historian had questioned Yasuke's samurai status.<ref name="japantimes 20242">{{Cite web |last=Ziegler |first=Owen |date=2024-05-25 |title=Gaming's latest culture war targets Yasuke, Japan's Black samurai |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/05/25/digital/yasuke-assasins-creed-samurai/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[The Japan Times]] |language=en}}</ref> Japanese historian {{ill|Yu Hirayama (historian)|lt=Yu Hirayama|ja|平山優 (歴史学者)}}, a specialist in the [[Sengoku period]] at the [[Japan University of Health Sciences]], confirmed that Yasuke's status as a samurai who served Nobunaga is undeniable.<ref name="NYT 20242">{{Cite web |last=Small |first=Zachary |date=September 11, 2024 |title=The Fight Over a Black Samurai in Assassin's Creed Shadows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/11/arts/assassins-creed-shadows-yasuke-samurai-japan.html |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[New York Times]] |language=en}}</ref> === Re-enactment flag controversy === Ubisoft also dealt with controversy after it was revealed that the company had used a Japanese re-enactment group's flag in official concept art and marketing materials. Ubisoft Japan issued an apology to the Sekigahara Teppo-tai on July 3 before making a public apology five days later. The company said it would remove all references to the flag from its website, though the concept art printed in the game's physical art book would likely remain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bueno |first=Daniel |date=2024-07-08 |title=Ubisoft Apologies for Assassin's Creed Shadows Flag Art Infringement |url=https://www.siliconera.com/ubisoft-apologies-for-assassins-creed-shadows-flag-art-infringement/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723175047/https://www.siliconera.com/ubisoft-apologies-for-assassins-creed-shadows-flag-art-infringement/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2024-07-09 |title=Ubisoft Apologizes to Japanese Historical Re-Enactment Group for Using Its Flag in Assassin's Creed Shadows Art Without Permission |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-apologizes-to-japanese-historical-re-enactment-group-for-using-its-flag-in-assassins-creed-shadows-art-without-permission |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818114702/https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-apologizes-to-japanese-historical-re-enactment-group-for-using-its-flag-in-assassins-creed-shadows-art-without-permission |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> The re-enactment group responded on July 12, demanding that the flag also be removed from the game's art book.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2024-07-12 |title=Ubisoft Apology for Using Historical Re-Enactment Group Flag in Assassin's Creed Shadows Not Enough, Group Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-apology-for-using-historical-re-enactment-group-flag-in-assassins-creed-shadows-not-enough-group-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724023029/https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-apology-for-using-historical-re-enactment-group-flag-in-assassins-creed-shadows-not-enough-group-says |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> On July 23, Ubisoft publicly apologized for marketing materials that may have "caused concern within the Japanese community," alluding to the usage of the flag.<ref name=":0" /> == Notes == {{Notelist}} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{official website|http://www.assassinscreed.com}} {{Assassin's Creed}} {{Subject bar|Speculative fiction|Video games|q=y}} [[Category:Upcoming video games scheduled for 2025]] [[Category:Action-adventure games]] [[Category:Assassin's Creed]] [[Category:Casting controversies]] [[Category:Japan in non-Japanese culture]] [[Category:MacOS games]] [[Category:Open-world video games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 games]] [[Category:Race-related controversies in video games]] [[Category:Single-player video games]] [[Category:Stealth video games]] [[Category:Ubisoft games]] [[Category:Video game controversies]] [[Category:Video games about ninja]] [[Category:Video games about samurai]] [[Category:Video games developed in Canada]] [[Category:Video games featuring black protagonists]] [[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]] [[Category:Video games set in 16th-century Sengoku period]] [[Category:Video games set in feudal Japan]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]'